Do insurance companies typically cover a second breast reduction? I was 17 when I had my first, I am 27 now (Photo)

Hi.  It really depends on your current symptoms and your particular policy.  I would get the appropriate documentation from your primary medical provider and then see your plastic surgeon who can submit a letter to your insurance carrier to see if that would be a covered benefit.Good luck and take care,Dr. Howell

Thank you for your question! The insurance criteria for covering a secondary breast reduction are actually exactly the same as having them cover the intial procedure. You need to have documented symptoms due to large breasts (e.g. back, neck and shoulder pain) that aren't responding to medical therapy (e.g. physical therapy, pain medications, wearing a sports bra), and the surgeon needs to be able to remove the required amount of tissue- usually somewhere in the 500g range. I would recommend seeing a board-certified Plastic Surgeon in your area if you are interested in pursuing this.

You will need to call your insurance company and ask them whether or not a second reduction would be covered and if so, what are the criteria. Then, schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area (link below) to discuss. Best, Dr. Nazarian

If you have the coverage criteria for a second breast reduction meaning symptoms as well as anticipated weight of reduction then insurance will probably cover the procedure.

As long as you meet the criteria for a breast reduction as put forth by your insurance company, it doesn't matter whether this is the first, second, or fifth time you are having a breast reduction.  I would suggest that you visit a board-certified plastic surgeon who can examine you and discuss your options with you.

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.

A second breast reduction is possible. You should check with your insurance company to determine your eligibility.

Based on only the posted in clothing photos appears you DO NOT need a reduction. Therefore I doubt your health insurance would cover the secondary reduction based upon limited amounts of tissue to be removed. Sounds like you need more a lift than reduction... 

yes if you need another reduction and the tissue came back it is possible. You would need to see your doctor to have them submit and talk to your insurance. 

Yes, it is possible to have a 2nd breast reduction procedure covered by your health insurance company. Of course, you will need to check with your specific insurance carrier to see if it is a “covered benefit” or not. When you are ready to proceed with this procedure, it would be helpful to your plastic surgeon to have a copy of the previous plastic surgeons offer report, if not all possible. This will help increase the safety of the procedure. Best wishes.