I'd like to know if I am a good candidate for a breast reduction? (Photos)

You need a slight reduction of one breast and both breasts lifted. I don’t think there would be enough breast tissue removed to qualify for insurance. I think the breast shape would be improved considerably but there are significant scars involved.

Hello and thank you for your question.
You appear to be a great candidate for breast reduction surgery. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Best wishes!

Hi.  Based on your photos, you would be a good candidate for either a breast reduction or a breast lift. The video below describes both of those procedures and the similarities and differences between the two. I have also included a link to some before and after pictures to show you some other representations of patients after these type of procedures.  I would recommend consulting with a board certified plastic surgeon with good experience with both of these procedures, so that they can help guide you to this process. Good luck and take care, Dr. Howell

You are an excellent candidate for a breast reduction using The Bellesoma Method.  This will reduce and reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage.  The weight of the breast is transferred to the underlying pectoralis major muscle resulting in pain relief without excessive reduction.  Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.  This technique is not covered by insurance and the cost is $12,000.  Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Dear beckybebe,
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

Contact your health insurance company (1199 SEIU) to ask whether they cover a breast reduction (which includes a breast lift) and the criteria needed for you to qualify. If you have records from your internist, chiropractor, pain management doctor, etc. during the past year which documents your problem, take a copy of these when you consult with a board certified PS who performs hundreds of breast procedures each year with great patient feedback and B/A photos on his/her website.  Discuss with the PS the pros and cons of the BR/BL and determine if this surgery is an option for you.

Yes, it appears you are a great candidate for a breast reduction because you have large breasts and drooping breasts. A breast lift is also included at the time of a breast reduction to give a better nipple position, breast shape, and reduce the size of your areolas. Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon for your surgery. Good luck!

I think you are a very good candidate for a bilateral breast reduction. Breast reduction surgery will both decrease the size of your breasts and lift the breasts up into the proper position on your chest wall, potentially alleviating some of your back discomfort while achieving the aesthetic look you desire. Your insurance carrier will have certain criteria which must be met in order to be qualified for coverage, including but not limited to, records of alternative modes of managing your back pain as well as a recommended weight of tissue to be removed based on your body surface area. I encourage you to consult with a local plastic surgeon to further discuss your surgical options, and the risks and benefits of undergoing breast reduction surgery. Often, women who undergo this operation are extremely pleased with their decision to do so. I wish you all the best. 
Lauren Shikowitz-Behr, MD
This answer has been solicited without seeing or examining this patient and cannot be held as true medical advice, but only opinion. Please seek in-person consultation for further management and appropriate care.

You are a good candidate for reduction and likely to be approved by 1199. They have conservative management pre-requisites such as physical therapy or chiropractic, proof that you do not have underlying orthopedic conditions, etc. The minimum is typically between 3-6 months depending on the plan.  1199 does not cover out of network claims but they are more flexible to work with than some other carriers.   During a reduction, the asymmetry would be corrected.   1199 will also establish the minimum gram weight resection applicable to your case at which point you can decide whether this is something with which you are comfortable. Surgical pathology must be submitted after the procedure to prove that the actual amount reduced was per their guidelines in order to obtain reimbursement.   Best wishes.

Thank you for your question!  I do think a breast reduction would be a great option for you, based on the size and position of your breasts on your chest wall.  It is important to have an informed discussion with your surgeon about your goal size after the surgery, but I think you should be able to have a result that allows you to have beautiful, feminine breasts that are more proportional to your body and at a better position on your chest wall.  Any plastic surgeon who you are considering should do a thorough job of documenting your pain and any other problems you are having related to your breasts because this is a significant part of how insurance companies make the decision about whether to cover the surgery.  I wish you all the best!