Is a breast reduction from a 34DD to a 34B plausible with insurance? (photos)

Question

Hi, I'm 4'11" and 19 years old. I'm a 34DD and I have extreme back pain, its impossible to even get through a full day of work and class without tylenol and ibuprofen on my side. I weigh 112 lbs; I'm quite petite but with very large breasts. Is it possible that if my surgery were covered by insurance that I can go down to a size as small as 34B?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast reduction surgery; it is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform.

Yes, it is possible to reduce the breasts size very significantly. The concern with the amount of tissue removed is related to blood flow to the remaining tissue; if too much tissue is removed in one operation the blood flow to the remaining tissue (including nipple/areola) may be compromised. Part of the tissue that is left in place is called the “pedicle"; this segment of tissue is responsible for delivering the blood supply to the nipple/areola tissue. If the pedicle is made too small (in the effort to reduce the breasts as much as possible) then patient will likely have problems with tissue survival.

My best suggestion: seek consultation with board-certified plastic surgeons who can demonstrate significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you will be pleased with. This careful selection of plastic surgeon will be the most important decision you make.

Before undergoing the breast reduction procedure it will be very important to communicate your size goals with your surgeon. Most patients wish to achieve a enough of a reduction to help with their symptoms while remaining proportionate with the remainder of their torso. I suggest that you do not communicate your goals in terms of achieving a specific cup size. For example, a “B cup” may mean different things to different people and therefore may be a source of miscommunication. In my practice, I ask patients to communicate their goals with the help of goal photographs.

I hope this, and the attached link/video, helps. Best wishes.

Kevin Tehrani, MD, FACS · Answer

Theoretically, it is possible to perform this operation. Some insurance companies have minimum requirements for the amount of breast tissue to be removed for coverage. There is also a limit of how much breast tissue may be removed to preserve blood a nerve supply to the nipple and areolar complex.

Luis Macias, MD, FACS · Answer

The size decrease sounds like something that an insurance company may cover. The symptoms they look for include neck or back pain, shoulder grooves from your bra strap or rashes under your breasts. However, some insurance plans will specifically exclude breast reduction procedures from you policy, so you can call your insurance company and see if it is a covered procedure. Many insurance companies calculate a minimum that they require to remove in order to cover based on different formulas. Therefore it is best to see a plastic surgeon for a consultation. This way they can examine you, look into your benefits and discuss with you what your options are given where you are today, your goals and the requirements of your insurance company if they cover this specific procedure.  Hope this helps and best of luck.

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Every insurance plan has their own unique criteria on whether they will 
cover a breast reduction. More and more, we are seeing plans where a 
breast reduction is not a covered benefit. If it is a covered benefit, 
some insurance plans set a minimum required amount of tissue to be 
remove in order to met their threshold for coverage. Some set the amount
 in relation to your BMI (height and weight). Others require extensive 
medical records documenting neck pain, back pain, and history of rashes.
 The other alternative is to opt for a breast reduction as a self-pay 
option. Start by visiting with a board certified plastic surgeon to 
learn more about your options.Best wishes,Dr. BasuHouston, TX

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

Breast reduction may or may not be covered depending on your insurance 
carrier and your breast size. Please check your insurance policy to see 
whether breast reduction is a covered procedure. Often times, insurance 
company will dictate how much breast tissue to be removed. Please visit 
an experiences, board-certified plastic surgeon to learn about the 
procedure, its cons and pros, benefits, and alternatives. Please contact
 your insurance carrier to learn about inclusion and exclusion criteria.
 Best wishes.

Is a breast reduction from a 34DD to a 34B plausible with insurance? (photos)

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Is a breast reduction from a 34DD to a 34B plausible with insurance? (photos)

Answers (8)

Answer: Insurance Coverage

Answer: Insurance Coverage

Answer: Insurance coverage

Answer: Insurance coverage

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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.