Can my Insurance Pay for Removal of Breast Tissue on Armpit While I Have a Breast Augmentation at the Same Time?

Question

I have had breast tissue on my left armpit for the past 14 years. Since puberty. It can be very painful (was very painful during pregnancy). I am very thin and it is very visible. I really want that removed and I'm wondering if my insurance can pay for something like that. If so, I am also considering breast augmentation since my B cups lost volume after pregnancy. Could my plastic surgeon do both at the same time if the insurance did pay for it? Since he is a plastic surgeon.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Generally speaking, it may be difficult for you to obtain insurance coverage for removal of axillary breast tissue. The only way to know for sure is to seek &ldquo;authorization&rdquo; prior to the procedure; your plastic surgeon will be able to help you with this.

	Yes, this is a procedure commonly performed by plastic surgeons and can be done at the same time as breast augmentation surgery.

	I hope this helps.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question! Surgical procedures for aesthetic 
purposes, to improve appearance, are not covered by insurance. 
Typically, these as well as complications resulting from such procedures
 are the responsibility of the patient. Procedures that are meant to 
correct functional issues and those which cause health-related issues 
should be covered by your insurance as a medical necessity, with proper 
examination and documentation.  Some insurance plans have exclusion 
criteria for certain procedures.  Also, it is an obligation of the 
surgeon not to attempt to authorize purely cosmetic procedures through 
insurance.   It may be possible to perform these procedures together.  You should see a breast surgeon for this.  The facility and anesthesia times will begin once the excision portion ends.  Discuss your issues and 
complaints with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss these as 
well as to examine and assist you in deciding which procedure(s) will be
 the best for you. A discussion of the advantages and disadvantages will
 take place along with the risks and benefits. Insurance companies will 
vary on coverage and is always reasonable to discuss your issues with 
your surgeon and primary care. It would behoove you to get as much 
information as possible and even call your insurance yourself. 
Certainly, pay in advance prior to your surgical procedure and options 
such as financing are available if you qualify. Hope that this helps! 
 Best wishes!

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Combined Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery is commonly done in my practice.. It is key to have prior authorization from your insurance company for the "insured" part of it as it is very hard to get authorization or payments after the fact. Typically the OR, Surgical Facility, and Anesthesia bills for the insurance part and you will pay for the time taken for the cosmetic portion (breast augmentation).

Susan Buenaventura, MD, FACS · Answer

Cosmetic and insurance based procedures can be combined, depending on your surgeon's practice.  If I have such a situation we do the surgery at the hospital to allow insurance to cover the surgery, anesthesia and pathology for the excess tissue removal.  Coolsculpting often works very well for that area too though it would not be covered by insurance, but avoids scar and downtime.  Meet with an ASPS plastic surgeon to discuss your options.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is quite possible that your surgeon remove the axillary breast tissue at the same time as the breast augmentation.

Can my Insurance Pay for Removal of Breast Tissue on Armpit While I Have a Breast Augmentation at the Same Time?

Answers (9)

Answer: Augment and removal of subaxillary tissue

Answer: Augment and removal of subaxillary tissue

Answer: Axillary breast tissue and breast augmentation

Answer: Axillary breast tissue and breast augmentation

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Can my Insurance Pay for Removal of Breast Tissue on Armpit While I Have a Breast Augmentation at the Same Time?

Answers (9)

Answer: Augment and removal of subaxillary tissue

Answer: Augment and removal of subaxillary tissue

Answer: Axillary breast tissue and breast augmentation

Answer: Axillary breast tissue and breast augmentation

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.