Breast reduction: insurance wants me to lose more weight, but medication makes it hard - advice?

Thanks for your question! Ideally, we like to have a patient at a slightly lower BMI before surgery. Perhaps you could talk to your doctor about a medication change? If not, programs like Weight Watchers have greatly helped patients of mine. Good luck!

Dear Fearless82814,
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

Insurance companies sissy's use this as a stalking tactic. You do need to lose weight but it y it s unlikely after listing weight you won't still need a breast reduction. In these cases you must be your own advocate be calling the insurance company yourself. If the first person you speak with doesn't seem interested call and speak to someone else. And Lise some weight and keep bugging the insurance.

Many patient's who have large breast and maybe good candidates for surgery are often left with another qualification they need to check off for insurance breast reduction coverage. Breast reduction surgery and anesthesia carry risks, but having a patient fall within a certain BMI range can lower those complications such as blood clots, fat necrosis, or wound healing issues. Another reason for your BMI to fall within a certain range is if you lose the weight after your reduction you run the risk of losing volume in your breast causing them to appear saggy (ptotic) or deflated.

I encourage you to discuss your concerns about weight loss with your PCP. From your description you would greatly benefit from the reduction. Perhaps working with a dietician can help you. You can also call your insurance company directly to discuss your concerns and issues.