Will insurance cover my breast reduction? (Photo)

Hi there, it depends on your insurance plan! You should be able to call the number on your insurance card to see if your specific plan covers mastopexy. Hope that helps!

Thanks for your question! Every insurance is different so I would start with your insurance. See what they need (ie: documentation from your PCP, chiropractor notes, etc) and then work on getting those items together. Good luck!

Hi Katiebabylady,
Insurance breast reduction is a process, which a board certified plastic surgeon can help you to navigate. Many insurance programs will require documentation of multiple visits to your PCP for back/neck/shoulder pain, and referrals to a chiropractor and/or physical therapist. A track record of these visits can help your plastic surgeon to make a better argument about your candidacy for breast reduction. When you meet with your plastic surgeon, he or she will estimate the amount of weight to be removed--and your insurance will take all of these factors (symptoms, history of visits to other providers, estimated weight to be removed) into consideration.
I would suggest continuing to meet with medical providers to document your symptomatology, and to make an appointment to see a board certified plastic surgeon to determine how much weigh could be removed.
Hope this helps.
Best,Christopher Pannucci, MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This will reduce and reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. The weight of the breast is transferred to the underlying pectoralis major muscle resulting in pain relief without excessive reduction. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained. Insurance does not cover this technique.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Dear Katiebabylady,
breast reduction is best suited for women who wish to decrease the size of their breasts. While there are different techniques used to perform this surgery, I prefer the vertical incision (lollipop pattern) breast reduction technique instead of the anchor scar pattern, which reduces more noticeable scarring than usual. I also use a SAFE liposuction technique to reduce additional fat around the stubborn axilla area and bra line. This way, my patients are achieving beautiful results with minimal incisions which reduces downtime and delivers an overall better breast shape long term.If you are considering breast reduction surgery, you should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options and make sure your surgeon understands your goals. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

You really need more of a lift (mastopexy) rather then a full on breast reduction, as you really don't have that much extra breast tissue volume, but more of a length and skin excess issue. Doing a reduction style surgery would make you with a very poor looking breast shape as it relates to the rest of your frame. On your left side, you'd probably not remove much if any volume at at all, while the other side needs a small amount of removal to even the asymmetry out.

That type of procedure would be considered elective/cosmetic and not covered by your insurance

Most insurances will cover breast reduction procedures provided the breasts are large and cause symptomatic pain: neck or back pain and bra strap notching at the shoulders.
Your breasts are large, but more worry some is how pendulous they are. You may require a "free nipple graft" in order to properly elevate and reduce the breasts.
You will need to go for a consultation and then get pre-approval.
Best wishes.
Dr. Taranow

From your photos it appears you definitely would benefit from a lift and the asymmetry could be improved at the same time. This may help with your discomfort. Insurance criteria varies, but most will have a minimum number of grams that need to be removed. An exam would be needed to know for sure, but you may not have enough tissue.

Great question and nicely posted photos. You have severe ptosis/hypertrophy, asymmetry of the breasts. The issues are the exact insurance plan might have restrictions for breast reduction surgery. The #1 restriction is your very high HT to WT ratios or BMI = 36.04! This alone would most likely eliminate you from approvals. You must lose 20+ pounds ASAP. #2. You appear to need more a lift than reduction. Most insurances require at least 500 grams of tissue removal per side, this might make your breasts to small. So in general terms you are 50/50 if insurance would cover the surgery.