Candidate for Breast Reduction Surgery? 5'8 and 155 lbs. 32H and sometimes 34I bra. (photos)

Unfortunately, each insurance company has their own criteria. Large breasts (macromastia) or breast hypertrophy can occur in a variety of conditions (family trait, post pregnancy, excessive adolescent growth). In general when the excessive breast size causes functional problems, insurance will generally pay for the operation if more than 400 – 500 grams are removed from each breast dependent on your individual insurance company requirements. These problems may include neck pain, back or shoulder pain, hygiene difficulty, and breast pain. Other problems which are less likely to be covered by insurance include skin irritation, skeletal deformity, breathing problems, psychological/emotional problems, and interference with normal daily activities. Pre-authorization by the insurance company is required prior to surgery, and the process takes approximately one month. Each insurance policy has different guidelines and exclusions.
This procedure is commonly covered by insurance through insurance criteria are becoming more and more restrictive
#breastreduction#reduction

Based on your symptoms and photos, you definitely sound like a good candidate for breast reduction, although it can be difficult to know how much weight will be removed per breast and if this will meet your insurance criteria.  Certainly try to see if your insurance provider will change their stance, but if they don't, I absolutely think the out-of-pocket costs for surgery will be well worth the improvement in your physical health and appearance. Good luck!

I am sorry to hear about the problems your disproportionately large breasts have caused. Based on your description, you may be an excellent candidate for breast reduction surgery. This operation tends to be one of the most patient pleasing operations to perform.  
 “Typical” patients who present for breast reduction surgery are women who have disproportionately large breasts, causing problems such as neck/back/shoulder discomfort, postural changes, bra strap grooving, skin irritation/rashes under the breasts, and/or difficulty with activities of daily living and/or exercise etc. There may be both physical as well as psychosocial “stress” caused by the disproportionately large breasts.
Reducing breast tissue mass and elevating the breasts on the chest wall tend to improve or alleviate many of the symptoms associated with the disproportionately large breasts.
Patients considering breast reduction surgery should also consider the potential downsides (risks/complications) associated with the procedure as well. Poor scarring, for example may be associated with the procedure. Additional surgery may be necessary in the short or longer term for a multitude of reasons.
When the time is right, I suggest that you seek consultation with well experienced plastic surgeons who can demonstrate significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you would be pleased with.
 Once you have chosen your plastic surgeon carefully, it will be important for you to communicate her goals carefully as well. If I were seeing you in consultation, I would ask to look at your goal photographs; after doing so, I would be able to help you with a prediction of what you might expect in terms of anticipated weight of tissue removed. ***Keep in mind however that there is no specific/reliable correlation between the amount of tissue removed and cup sizes achieved.
In your case, given your concerns, I would suggest that you spend more time communicating your goals/questions/concerns directly with your plastic surgeon before making final decisions.  Ultimately, you will want to feel comfortable that your plastic surgeon has a significant/demonstrable experience achieving the types of outcomes you will be pleased with.  In terms of dealing with the insurance company;  ongoing persistence may be productive.  In other words, letters of appeal etc. may be necessary.Best wishes with your efforts and for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.