Wait to Lose Weight Before Breast Reduction?

Question

I use 42DDD bras. I want Breast reduction but I want something like a D. I have Medical. Will Medical cover it if I just want a D?I'm overweight. Would it be best to wait to loose the weight before I get a reduction?

Brent Moelleken, MD · Answer

Patients should always try to be at a stable weight before any surgery, especially if their weight might affect the final result.
Most doctors ask the patient to do what is reasonablly possible, not get down to some impossible weight.
My colleagues are absolutely correct that after breast reduction many patients become more active and lose even more weight.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

This procedure is commonly covered by insurance though insurance
criteria are becoming more and more restrictive. Although we do not accept
insurance, our staff will assist you in obtaining pre-authorization so that you
can attempt to be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses

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.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

The results
of breast reduction surgery are better when patients are near their ideal body
weight.When patients are overweight
they may have higher complication rates as well.When patients are overweight they’re
encouraged to lose weight prior to surgery, unfortunately the majority of
patients are unsuccessful at dieting.Despite this, patients who are overweight still derive significant
benefits from breast reduction.Many
have increased exercise tolerance following reduction and are able to lose
weight elsewhere.For these reasons, we
don’t view excess weight as an absolute contraindication to breast reduction
surgery.Ocassionally patients lose weight
after breast reduction.When this
happens the breasts can lose additional volume and develop breast sag.When this situation arises, secondary surgery
may be necessary.In some cases, either
a breast lift or secondary breast reduction surgery maybe indicated.Even when secondary breast surgery is necessary
because of continued weight loss, breast reduction patients report high
satisfaction rates.For these reasons, it’s extremely
important to discuss these issues with your plastic surgeon prior to
surgery.Your plastic surgeon should be
able to formulate a treatment plan that addresses your anatomic findings and
achieves your aesthetic goals.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

It is always better to be at a stable ideal weight before pursuing surgery, preferably within a normal BMI. This improves surgical outcome as well as reduces the risks associated with surgery. You may find that losing weight also reduces the size of your breasts naturally.Depending on your situation, insurance may be able to subsidize the cost of breast reduction. Some breast reduction coverage requirements where I practice in Ontario include your current cup size, the amount of breast tissue removed during surgery, unsuccessful experiences with alternative treatments and medications, as well as recommendations for breast reduction from other specialists, such as chiropractors and neurosurgeons.Please see an experienced board certified plastic surgeon to find out whether you are a suitable candidate for breast reduction first. Best of luck.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

First, I would recommend losing the weight prior to having breast reduction surgery.  Significant weight loss after surgery will affect your cosmetic result from the breast reduction.
Second, your surgeon would need to get an authorization to see if your insurance company would cover your surgery.
Hope that helps.

Richard Baxter, MD · Answer

It sounds like you are in the difficult situation of needing to lose weight but having difficulty exercising because of heavy breasts. However, you need to know that the risk of complications with surgery is higher in patients who are overweight, and your results will be better in my opinion if you can lose the weight first.

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there-
It is always in your best interests to achieve your goal weight and be stable at that weight for at least a few months before surgery on the breasts or body.
Losing weight will change the relationships between the breast tissue and the skin, between the breasts and the body, and also will change the quality of the skin. All of these will affect your long term outcome if they occur after surgery, making the odds of needing secondary revision surgery much higher.
Once you've achieved and maintained your target weight for 3-6 months, find a surgeon you like and proceed with confidence.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

It is better to lose the weight prior to undergoing breast reduction because your breasts may further decrease in size with ongoing weight loss. Therefore if you become a D and lose weight your D cup could become a C cup.
In regards to medical, I would contact one of your local physicians. In many instances state agencies will not accept predetermination of benefits letters. In this instance coverage may be determined by the amount removed.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thank you for your question.
It would be best to be at your goal weight prior to surgery. This will give you the best result. 
As far as your insurance covering the cost it depends on your benefits. Reach out to your insurance company. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Best wishes!

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Breast reduction may be covered by insurance if you meet certain critera, specified by your insurance coverage. Often times, insurance company will need documentation of back pain, shoulder pain, photos, your height and weight, size of your breasts and proposed weight of breast tissue that would be removed. If you do not meet the criteria set by your insurance coverage, you will need to undergo breast reduction by self-pay. Your self-pay breast reduction cost will differ depending on your surgeon's fee, facility fee, and anesthesia fee. There is a geographic difference as well. It will vary from $8000-$10,000. Please visit with board-certified plastic surgeons to discuss the overall cost as well as potential risks, alternatives, and benefits. Good luck to you.

Wait to Lose Weight Before Breast Reduction?

Answers (19)

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