I Need a Breast Reduction but Can't Afford the Cost or Insurance? (photo)

Question

I am a 26 yr old white female in michigan. i am very short (only 4'7") and a bit hefty (over 200lbs).i have tried to lose weight most of which has only been successful for other parts of my body. the most noticeable weight is my 48L breasts. my doctors say i need to have a breast reduction. But i can not even afford insurance let alone the cost of a surgery on my own. are there possibly any surgeons that would take on my case as a charity case or teaching case? i would greatly appreciate it.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I would recommend weight loss as well, but you clearly have an issue that needs to be remedied. Have you tried applying for Medicare or Medicaid? You may be able to find a surgeon who would waive the surgeon's fee or a teaching institution for a reduced fee. However, most surgeons also pay a surgery center for the time in the operating room. Your surgery would likely take 3 to 4 hours and may cost $4000 or more just to cover anesthesia and OR costs.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You can keep the costs under control by having the surgery done the surgeon's office operating room. We do these all the time. The other options are financing like CareCredit, or try a residency training program near you.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

I find it unlikely that you will be able to find free breast reduction.  However, you can check with your local teaching hospital and see if they having a training program for residents.  In these clinics you can usually get reduced cost surgery with the understanding that it will be the resident in training performing the surgery.  There is still some cost involved such as the anesthesia and operating room fees, so it will not be a free surgery.  However, my suggestion is, as others have pointed out, to try and get on your state assisted insurance.

	 

	Good Luck.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and picture.

	 Based on your description, I think you may be an excellent candidate for breast reduction surgery. As you know, it will be in your best interest to drop your weight closer to a long-term stable weight prior to undergoing the procedure. Doing so, will help decrease the risk associated with surgery and minimize  chances that additional surgery will be necessary afterwards.

	 You will need to take steps towards attaining health insurance and/or establishing a personal “breast fund” that you use to gradually  save for the procedure.

	 Best wishes for persistence in your efforts; breast reduction surgery is one of the most patient pleasing operations performed.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Yes you can see the residents in Plastic Surgery at the local university as a resident case. But I bet they would recommend a gastric bypass to have you loss 100 pounds before undertaking a reduction.

I Need a Breast Reduction but Can't Afford the Cost or Insurance? (photo)

Answers (9)