I am 24, 5’5” with 40F breasts. Am I a candidate for a breast reduction/lift? (Photo)

Question

I am about 180 pounds right now, with more fat than am I comfortable with, but primarily the weight of my breasts has become an issue. I am a 40F and I have extreme sagging because of how heavy my breasts are, an due to their weight my back is rounded with neck, upper and lower back pain, and shoulder pain. It is impossible for me to straighten my posture for any length of time. I am curious if with the pictures provided if it is clear whether or not this can be something covered by insurance?

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thanks for your question!  You appear to be a great candidate for a breast reduction.  Whether or not your insurance will cover it is contingent on their requirements.  I would encourage you to reach out to your insurance company and ask what they require.  Then, find a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area that A) specializes in breast reduction and B) accepts your insurance.  Good luck!

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question. You seem to be a great candidate for a breast reduction. Insurance coverage is usually up to your carrier and is not influenced by your physician (although we do feel for you).
I perform a liposuction breast lift/reduction known as Breast LipoLift®. This specialized technique spares more nerves and blood supply as well as removes tissue from the areas you don't want such as near the armpit and the lower portion hanging near your stomach. Once I use this to shape the breast, I then remove the excess skin to tighten the breast and create a more proportional silhouette with better cleavage. This procedure is also more accurate than traditional breast lifts or reductions since I use 3D measurements to uncover size asymmetries. During the procedure I remove exactly what more from the larger side to get as close to symmetry as possible. Since I perform this less invasively the recovery time is faster and drains are not necessary. Over 90% of my patients are out to dinner the next evening taking only Advil and Tylenol if even needed. The size would depend on the proportion with your body versus going for a cup size.  It has been proven to have less complications than traditional breast reduction (please see my Breast LipoLift® page web page) and should not affect nipple sensation, mammograms, cancer risk or breast-feeding. 
The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.  Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in breast plastic surgery.  
Best of luck!    
Dr. Schwartz 
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
#RealSelf100Surgeon 
#RealSelfCORESurgeon
#RealSelfTopContributor

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

You appear to be a good candidate for breast reduction surgery. It will depend on your medical insurance policy as to whether or not it will be a covered procedure. Some insurance companies do not cover breast reduction surgery at all, while others have many requirements you need to meet in order to get approval. Most require that you need at least 500 grams of breast tissue removed from each breast, and many want to know that you have tried other measures to alleviate your condition, such as; physical therapy, special bras, analgesics, etc.Be sure to consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who specializes in breast surgery. Your surgeon will be able to help you get pre-authorization for your surgery. Good luck.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. I am sorry to hear about the problems your disproportionately large breasts are causing; based on your description, you may be a good candidate for breast reduction surgery. “Official” recommendations of course would necessitate in-person consultation.

Breast reduction surgery is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform. By removing “excess” breast tissue, adipose tissue, and breast skin  this operation reduces and lifts the breasts to a higher position on the chest wall. By doing so, patients often find improvement in neck, back, and shoulder discomfort and find it easier to form their activities of daily living and exercise.

Best to check directly with your insurance company to see whether breast reduction surgery is a “covered” benefit with your specific policy. Then, given that every insurance company has different “criteria”, best to identify exactly what your specific insurance company considers criteria for approval. Generally, the more documentation you have (for example, from your primary care doctor, physical therapist, chiropractor etc.) the better when it comes to obtaining insurance “authorization” for the procedure. Again, your insurance company will be able to be more specific when it comes to what "hoops" they want you to jump through. Also, for many insurance companies, the closer you are to your long-term ideal weight, the better.

This documentation and letter/pictures from your plastic surgeon will help you obtain authorization.

Also, prepare to be persistent when dealing with health insurance companies. Best wishes.

Charles Nduka, MD · Answer

Based on the photo, you will benefit from a breast reduction surgery. Not only because of the aesthetic improvement but also for your overall health. Having the breast reduction surgery will get rid of the excess weight of the breasts and thus relieve the pressure exerted on your back and neck. In this sense a lift is not advisable as it will not relieve the pains you are feeling on the back and the neck. Schedule an appointment with a board-certified plastic surgeon for an in-person examination and a detailed discussion of your surgical options and their benefits.

I am 24, 5’5” with 40F breasts. Am I a candidate for a breast reduction/lift? (Photo)

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Answer: Am I a candidate for a breast reduction/lift?

Answer: Am I a candidate for a breast reduction/lift?

Answer: I am 24, 5’5” with 40F breasts. Am I a candidate for a breast reduction/lift?

Answer: I am 24, 5’5” with 40F breasts. Am I a candidate for a breast reduction/lift?

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I am 24, 5’5” with 40F breasts. Am I a candidate for a breast reduction/lift? (Photo)

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Answer: Am I a candidate for a breast reduction/lift?

Answer: Am I a candidate for a breast reduction/lift?

Answer: I am 24, 5’5” with 40F breasts. Am I a candidate for a breast reduction/lift?

Answer: I am 24, 5’5” with 40F breasts. Am I a candidate for a breast reduction/lift?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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