Will insurance cover breast augmentation after I had pectus excavatum? Breasts are not the same.

Question

In 2013 I had the Ravitch Procedure preformed on me to correct my pectus excavatum. The surgery went without a hitch, and the doctor did an amazing job. During the 2 years after my surgery, many people commented in a hurtful way about how my breast got smaller. One breast is larger than the other, and no bras fit me anymore. They did before my surgery. The wire in my bras that I do wear dig into my rib cage. Would insurance pay to correct this? Breast implants?

J. Dayne Petersen, MD · Answer

This is a really good question.  Many patients with pectus excavatum benefit from a breast augmentation to either balance or the breast asymmetry or mask the sternal depressions.  Insurance companies will usually deny this although we have been successful in getting it covered by a few plans.  It doesn't hurt to see if your insurance will cover it especially in light of your associated symptoms.  It is best to consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who has experience with breast augmentation in patients with pectus excavatum.  Good Luck!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the problems you are experiencing.  It won't hurt to inquire through your insurance company but generally speaking, it would be unusual for insurance companies to cover breast augmentation surgery, despite the existence of the chest wall asymmetry. My best suggestion: seek consultation with board certified plastic surgeons who can demonstrate significant experience helping patients achieve  the type of outcome you will be pleased with. Then, communicate your goals carefully as well. You may find the attached link, dedicated to breast augmentation surgery for patients with precuts excavatum helpful to you as you learn more. Best wishes.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Unless there is something very unexpected I think the answer to your question is no. Breast augmentation may help camouflage a chest wall abnormality but almost assuredly will not be covered by insurance.

Andrew M. Lofman, MD, FACS · Answer

different insurance carriers will have different answers. You can make the argument that this is a reconstructive procedure, however most carriers will probably deny this claim. Talk to yours.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

Insurance coverage can be difficult, though we have had a few successes for breast implants after a pectus excavatum repair. It never hurts to send for an insurance predetermination, and we hope you get an authorization.

Will insurance cover breast augmentation after I had pectus excavatum? Breasts are not the same.

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Answer: Will insurance cover breast augmentation after Pectus repair?

Answer: Will insurance cover breast augmentation after Pectus repair?

Answer: Breast augmentation after pectus excavatum.

Answer: Breast augmentation after pectus excavatum.

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Will insurance cover breast augmentation after I had pectus excavatum? Breasts are not the same.

Answers (6)

Answer: Will insurance cover breast augmentation after Pectus repair?

Answer: Will insurance cover breast augmentation after Pectus repair?

Answer: Breast augmentation after pectus excavatum.

Answer: Breast augmentation after pectus excavatum.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Augmentation

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