Do I have tuberous breasts? Can this be covered by Medicare? (photos)

Question

I read that there is potential to get some of the procedure covered by Medicare if they are :)

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Hi & thanks for your question!
Health insurance does not typically cover any breast augmentation surgery, even if they are tuberous. You can call your insurance carrier and check if this is a covered benefit under your plan but I would not count on it. Best wishes!

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

Unfortunately, surgeons have created the term tuberous breasts, a fact which causes unnecessary concerns for women. Many women just have different sizes and shapes and in my opinion shouldn't be labeled. I recommend an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and be measured. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size and style breast implants and they choose what looks right for them. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what size and style breast implant is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. Certain private health insurances in the states will cover this type of surgery. Especially if it causes discomfort such as difficultly finding supportive bras that fit the breast shape. I would consider consulting with a plastic surgeon, they would have take photos, submit it to the insurance company for approval. It maybe partially covered but something to consider. Certainly in Canada the universally funded health care system would not cover those costs.

Narayanan Nair, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello. I can't appreciate the photo well, it's a bit dark. But most plastic surgery is not covered by Medicare or other heath insurance .However, plastic surgery that is performed for reconstructive purposes, rather than cosmetic, may be partially covered insurers. Breast augmentation for a patient with tuberous breasts may fall into this category. I'm going to suggest that you have a proper consultation with a plastic surgeon.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Your breasts are not tuberous just low on the chest wall and hanging downward.  The technique I recommend is a lift using The Bellesoma Method.  This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage.  Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Do I have tuberous breasts? Can this be covered by Medicare? (photos)

Answers (10)

Answer: Tuberous breast

Answer: Tuberous breast

Answer: Bellesoma Method

Answer: Bellesoma Method

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.

Do I have tuberous breasts? Can this be covered by Medicare? (photos)

Answers (10)

Answer: Tuberous breast

Answer: Tuberous breast

Answer: Bellesoma Method

Answer: Bellesoma Method

Browse related questions

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.