Can I Go from a 34DD to 34C and Still Meet 500gram Insurance Requirement

Question

I am a healthy 32 year old with a height of 4'10'' and a weight of 95lbs (I am very petite). I would like to have a breast reduction due to the stress on my small frame. Is it possible to reduce my breast size from a full 34DD to a 34C and meet the insurance requirement of 500grams per breast? Or would the 500gram requirement cause me to drop to a B?

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

If you wear a size 34 bra then each 100 cc's is 1 cup size change.  To go down 500 cc's, you will be about a size B.  However, you described that the purpose of the breast reduction is to reduce the stress on your small frame.  You are a candidate for a new procedure that transfers weight to the underlying pectoral major muscle to relieve neck, back and shoulder pain.  From what you have described you will NOT meet insurance requirements and you will end up paying for it yourself.  If that is the situation, you would be better off getting what you want then getting too small of breasts just to meet the insurance criteria.

	Best of Luck,

	Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Craig S. Rock, MD, FACS · Answer

The amount of weight that needs to be removed per cup varies by chest wall measurements as well as the density of the breast.  Based upon my personal experience, I would expect a 500gm reduction  would be more likely to result in a B cup breast.  When you mention the insurance requirement of 500gm, you should be advised that insurance company rules do vary - for example, for someone your height and weight, Aetna would require an approximately 300gm reduction (please note, this is not meant to endorse any specific insurance carrier, and they each have their own additional requirements).

	I recommend that you consult with a board-certfied plastic surgeon experienced in breast reduction.  After performing a physical exam, the surgeon should be able to give you a better idea where you may end up after surgery (keeping in mind that bra sizes are not standardized across manufacturers).

	Good luck.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Based on the description of your body type and breast size I think you may be an excellent candidate for breast reduction surgery;  It certainly sounds like your breasts are out of proportion  to  the remainder of your torso. For patients like yourself, breast reduction is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform.

	Unfortunately, there is no direct correlation between the amount of tissue removed and the ultimate cup size that a patient will wear after breast reduction surgery.

	Before undergoing the breast reduction procedure it will very important to communicate your size goals with your surgeon.  In my practice, the use of photographs of &ldquo;goal&rdquo; pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. I have found that the use of words such as &ldquo;natural&rdquo; or &ldquo;C cup&rdquo; or "fake looking" means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful. Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup  size may also be inaccurate.

	After you review your goal pictures with your plastic surgeon he/she will be in a better position to predict as much as possible whether the insurance weight requirement will leave you with the results you wish to achieve.

	I hope this helps.

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Every insurance plan has their own unique criteria on whether they will 
cover a breast reduction. More and more, we are seeing plans where a 
breast reduction is not a covered benefit. If it is a covered benefit, 
some insurance plans set a minimum required amount of tissue to be 
remove in order to met their threshold for coverage. Some set the amount
 in relation to your BMI (height and weight). Others require extensive 
medical records documenting neck pain, back pain, and history of rashes.
 The other alternative is to opt for a breast reduction as a self-pay 
option. Start by visiting with a board certified plastic surgeon to 
learn more about your options.Best wishes,Dr. BasuHouston, TX

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

An exam would be necessary to answer your question. Bra sizes vary and a 32C is basically equivalent to a 34B.  You should discuss your expectations with a board certified plastic surgeon.  I have seen few companies which permit 350 gram reductions at this time and many have additional requirements.  If you are truly seeking a reduction because of back pain, then at your height and weight, a slightly larger resection may be in your best interests in terms of alleviating your symptoms.

Can I Go from a 34DD to 34C and Still Meet 500gram Insurance Requirement

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Answer: Breast reduction and insurance requiremens

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Can I Go from a 34DD to 34C and Still Meet 500gram Insurance Requirement

Answers (8)

Answer: Insurance Coverage

Answer: Insurance Coverage

Answer: Breast reduction and insurance requiremens

Answer: Breast reduction and insurance requiremens

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.