Should I have to pay for the revision because my reduction is too small? (Photos)

Question

I had a breast reduction a year ago. I was devastated by the results and am now suffering with depression. I decided to I finally went in and spoke to my doctor. He agreed that my new size was too small for my extra large body. He suggested a fat transfer. One puffed up nipple also needs fixing. OHIP paid and I paid 4k additionally for the liposuction part of it. I signed for a vertical reduction and ended up with an anchor one. Should I have to pay for a revision? I plan on losing weight first.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.
I am sorry to hear that you are unhappy. This is a question for your surgeon. Reach out to him or her to have this discussion. Best wishes!

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

Talk to your surgeon about what his revision policies are, if he agreed that you are too small he may give you a break on fees. Continue to get to your goal weight and see if that makes a difference. Good luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Terrific7225,
every surgeon has a revision policy. Many involve reduced or even no fees for the surgeon (depending on the situation) while the patient may still be responsible for facility (the use of the operating room, staff, and supplies) and anesthesia fees. Best to go back to your surgeon and have a talk about your concerns again.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Daniel Zeichner, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
From your photos, it appears that a moderate reduction was performed. The nipples are of equal height, Due to your body habitus, the breasts appear relatively small. there is minimal-moderate breast asymmetry present. 
You may consider further tightening of the inferior breast pole of the larger breast and differential fill breast augmentation. Sizing is always difficult as each individual has a different concept of what breast size is "normal". 15% of cosmetic procedures require a secondary touch up. Was there a mandatory minimum volume of tissue removal required by an insurance carrier? Was the reduction required because of neck, back pain? 
Many plastic surgeons will discount secondary procedures. 
Best wishes...

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

Please keep in mind that insurance criteria would have required a minimum amount of breast tissue to be removed. Your breasts were not all that large, by typical criteria, and the outcome of a B cup should have been understood. I am not sure I understand what you mean with respect to liposuction unless that was for another area of the body. One alternative is to lose weight such the breasts are in better proportion. Good luck!

Should I have to pay for the revision because my reduction is too small? (Photos)

Answers (5)