2.5 years ago, I was approximately an F/G cup. I now have M cups. Weight ~250lbs have for about a year. Is this growth normal? Am I justified in seeking a reduction and trying to get my insurance to cover it? (BCBS Federal Employee Program) if they grow any larger I won't be able to buy bras. I have a history of back pain and have been to a chiropractor. I am popping pain pills regularly and while I try to exercise (I would like to lose weight) I really only am able to use a treadmill to walk.
Answer: I have 40M Breasts. At 21 years old, what should I do? You did not say what your weight was 2.5 years ago. As you become more obese, so do your breasts enlarge, though that is not the only cause.Insurance coverage is virtually always related now to objective criteria of height, weight, and amount of breast tissue that will be required to be removed to fulfill the Schnur formula. All of the other symptoms are subjective, and every plastic surgeon knows what to write in the insurance prior-authorization letter. Which is why insurers went to objective (BMI) criteria. Certainly you may qualify for "coverage," but based on your weight (since your height is "fixed'), you will have to have a significant amount of breast tissue removed in order to fulfill those criteria.Pain, chiropractic care, inability to lose weight, rashes under your breasts, grooves from your bra straps, and numbness from bra strap pressure on the nerves in your shoulders all are listed by plastic surgeons in their letters of prior authorization. But based on your height and weight, a number is calculated, and this is the MINIMUM amount of breast tissue that must be removed per breast in order to qualify for insurance coverage. Regardless of symptoms, exercise inability, etc.To answer your question, I would want you to see your primary physician and run a comprehensive set of tests to evaluate why your overall weight has reached this degree of obesity, not just the breast enlargement part of your anatomy. Even if your breasts are all gland and no fat, losing weight to a BMI of less than 30 will allow safer breast reduction surgery with fewer healing risks. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen
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Answer: I have 40M Breasts. At 21 years old, what should I do? You did not say what your weight was 2.5 years ago. As you become more obese, so do your breasts enlarge, though that is not the only cause.Insurance coverage is virtually always related now to objective criteria of height, weight, and amount of breast tissue that will be required to be removed to fulfill the Schnur formula. All of the other symptoms are subjective, and every plastic surgeon knows what to write in the insurance prior-authorization letter. Which is why insurers went to objective (BMI) criteria. Certainly you may qualify for "coverage," but based on your weight (since your height is "fixed'), you will have to have a significant amount of breast tissue removed in order to fulfill those criteria.Pain, chiropractic care, inability to lose weight, rashes under your breasts, grooves from your bra straps, and numbness from bra strap pressure on the nerves in your shoulders all are listed by plastic surgeons in their letters of prior authorization. But based on your height and weight, a number is calculated, and this is the MINIMUM amount of breast tissue that must be removed per breast in order to qualify for insurance coverage. Regardless of symptoms, exercise inability, etc.To answer your question, I would want you to see your primary physician and run a comprehensive set of tests to evaluate why your overall weight has reached this degree of obesity, not just the breast enlargement part of your anatomy. Even if your breasts are all gland and no fat, losing weight to a BMI of less than 30 will allow safer breast reduction surgery with fewer healing risks. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen
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February 18, 2016
Answer: Breast reduction when you are finished growing Good question. I always advise my patients to make sure that they have not changed in in breast size, height or weight for two years before they have surgery. That's because if you are still growing your surgical results could change. When you are done growing, your plastic surgeon will need to submit a letter to your insurance company describing your physical symptoms, the amount of tissue to be removed, and a picture of your breasts. The insurance company will then determine if your surgery will be covered as reconstructive or denied as a cosmetic procedure. I believe you would be a good candidate for a breast reduction and get a great deal of relief from the surgery. Best of luck to you.
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February 18, 2016
Answer: Breast reduction when you are finished growing Good question. I always advise my patients to make sure that they have not changed in in breast size, height or weight for two years before they have surgery. That's because if you are still growing your surgical results could change. When you are done growing, your plastic surgeon will need to submit a letter to your insurance company describing your physical symptoms, the amount of tissue to be removed, and a picture of your breasts. The insurance company will then determine if your surgery will be covered as reconstructive or denied as a cosmetic procedure. I believe you would be a good candidate for a breast reduction and get a great deal of relief from the surgery. Best of luck to you.
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February 18, 2016
Answer: Breast Reduction Thank you for your question, and I am sorry to hear all the suffering you have as a result of your large breasts. Weight reduction is generally a good idea, but it sounds like your breasts are affecting your ability to exercise and make the weight loss even harder. Based on your description, you sounds like a candidate for breast reduction especially because of the back pain you have. Whether insurance covers it is another issue as each company is different and has different criteria. I would recommend speaking to a board certified plastic surgeon who can examine you and submit to insurance if applicable. All the best,
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February 18, 2016
Answer: Breast Reduction Thank you for your question, and I am sorry to hear all the suffering you have as a result of your large breasts. Weight reduction is generally a good idea, but it sounds like your breasts are affecting your ability to exercise and make the weight loss even harder. Based on your description, you sounds like a candidate for breast reduction especially because of the back pain you have. Whether insurance covers it is another issue as each company is different and has different criteria. I would recommend speaking to a board certified plastic surgeon who can examine you and submit to insurance if applicable. All the best,
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February 18, 2016
Answer: Breast reduction Thank you for your question and pictures. I think that you would definitely benefit from a breast reduction and most of the time BCBS will cover the surgery. Seek a consultation from a Board Certified PS.
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February 18, 2016
Answer: Breast reduction Thank you for your question and pictures. I think that you would definitely benefit from a breast reduction and most of the time BCBS will cover the surgery. Seek a consultation from a Board Certified PS.
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February 17, 2016
Answer: I have 40M Breasts. At 21 years old, what should I do? Breast reduction, or possibly another problem? (Photo) Thank you for your question and photos. Yes! You are a #candidate for a #breast #reduction surgery. Candidates for #BreastReduction surgery
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February 17, 2016
Answer: I have 40M Breasts. At 21 years old, what should I do? Breast reduction, or possibly another problem? (Photo) Thank you for your question and photos. Yes! You are a #candidate for a #breast #reduction surgery. Candidates for #BreastReduction surgery
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