How severe are my tuberous breasts? Enough to reap Medicare benefits for correction? (Photo)

Question

Hello. I am a 21 years old female and I've recently been told that my breasts are tuberous. I was just wondering to which degree do I fall under? And if my case is severe enough for costs to be covered by Medicare? I've always felt my breasts were weird and different, and always felt embarrassed about them, so it would be great to have them corrected! Is there any chance I will grow out of this? Thankyou!!!

Terrence Scamp, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

Hello there Medicare would only cover a fraction of your costs in any event and it may impede selection of appropriate surgery if you want to meet their criteria .Focus on the best outcome and have the best surgery done to get you there .CheersTS

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

You have a mild degree of constricted/tuberous breast deformity which can be fixed with a breast augmentation.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. You do have tuberous breasts.  You are a great candidate
for a breast augmentation with release of lower pole constriction bands and circumareolar reduction.  The size, profile, and shape of the
implant is based on your desired breast size/shape, your chest wall
measurements, and soft tissue quality.  This decision should
be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you
and your surgeon.  Unfortunately this will not be covered by insurance.  Cost varies based on geographic region and surgeon expertise.  Make sure you
specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have
had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most important aspect is to find a
surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a
qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

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

Far more important than the technique is the skill and experience of your plastic surgeon. Choose your surgeon rather than the technique and let them explain why one technique may be better than another.  See the below link on some suggestions on finding the most qualified Plastic Surgeon for a Breast Augmentation.  Always insist on a board certified plastic surgeon.

Christopher J. Davidson, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photographs.  Tuberous breasts present in different degrees of severity.  Three hallmark features of tuberous breasts include enlarged areolas, herniation of breast tissue through the areola, and a constricted base.  You may have mildly tuberous breasts, but an in-person examination with a board certified plastic surgeon would be advised.  My advice regarding insurance is to communicate directly with your insurance carrier, however, I would not expect this procedure to be covered by insurance.  Best of luck.

Nicholas Howland, MD · Answer

Hello Iddybiddytitties21,

From the pictures, your tuberous breast deformity appears fairly mild. This often happens on a scale but even severe cases are rarely covered by insurance for correction, which is very unfortunate. A breast augmentation alone is typically NOT enough to fix the problem. The breast has developed abnormally. The fold of the breast is too high and the "footprint" of the breast too narrow. This causes the breast tissue you do have to push through into your areolae, giving them a "puffy" look. All of this needs to be corrected in surgery. My recommendation would be meeting with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in tuberous breasts. Best of luck to you.

Sincerely,
Dr. Howland

Christopher T. Maloney Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and for attaching photos. It appears you have a very mild tuberous breast deformity. In my opinion this should not be submitted to insurance for coverage. I would not consider this a "medically necessary procedure". A breast augmentation will give you better shape and overall appearance to make you feel better about your breasts. Best of luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi Iddybiddytitties21,
  
Tuberous breasts are not simply small or underdeveloped breasts. The appearance of the breast can range from mild to severe, and typical traits include: enlarged, puffy areola, rather wide spacing between the breasts, very little breast tissue, sagging, higher than normal inferior breast fold, and narrow base at the chest wall. 
  
It is best that you visit a board-certified plastic surgeon for an in person examination. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Based on your pictures you appear to have mild tubular breasts , an in person consultation with a board certified PS would be the best to be evaluated properly , best of luck!

Jeffrey Thaxton, MD FACS · Answer

I would not consider you to have a severe case of tuberous breast deformity.  I am not aware of any criteria for quantifying tuberous breasts for Medicare coverage.  I think you would do well with breast augmentation and this would likely improve your self image of your breasts, I don't think you will find this is a covered procedure by Medicare or other insurance.   If the your breast appearance is bothersome enough to you, find a board certified plastic surgeon to advise you as to best course of action to treat you concerns.  You will not grow out of this issue.

How severe are my tuberous breasts? Enough to reap Medicare benefits for correction? (Photo)

Answers (15)

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