Will Tricare cover a breast reduction and will I be able to nurse another child?

Question

I am currently active duty in the military and I have always been quite busty my whole life I'm 20 with a 2 month old baby my pre pregnancy bra size was a 32G and now I'm currently a 34J and growing. It is causing severe chest shoulder neck and back pain. I know that won't pay until 6months after my 21st birthday and I plan to wait until my son is done nursing. I do plan to have more children and I was also wandering if I would be able to nurse my next children.

Scott C. Sattler, MD, FACS · Answer

Many plastic surgeons in private practice do not accept Tricare insurance. I was a surgeon in the US Navy for years, and witnessed quite a few women get their breast reductions done by military (Army) plastic surgeons, with the procedure covered by Tricare. I would start the process with your local military primary care doc, if you have access to one.

Moneer Jaibaji, MD · Answer

troymomma16 congrats on your new baby,Many plastic surgeons in private practice do not accept Tricare insurance, however we do. I believe that you should should allow yourself to wait at least 6 months after you stop breast feeding, I would be happy to schedule in a consultation then and decide what is the most appropriate for you to consider. The reduction wont affect the breastfeeding of your future children.

Susan MacLennan, MD · Answer

HelloGood question. TriCare will often cover breast reduction if you meet their criteria, but you will need to find a surgeon who accepts TriCare, as some do not.You will want to wait at least 3 mos after finishing breastfeeding before having a consult.If you're thinking about having another baby in the next couple of years, it might be wise to wait until after baby to have a breast reduction. Your breasts can certainly change with pregnancy and lactation, and it's nice to do surgery when everything is at a steady state. If you do decide to have a reduction and have another baby later, the chances of breastfeeding will depend on the technique. Try to avoid a free-nipple-graft technique since you wont be able to bf after this. With pedicle techniques (nipple is moved, not removed), there is at least a 50% chance of being able to bf after, but it is hard to predict.I hope that helps-Best wishes-

Nicholas Tarola, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions.  Your insurance company will look to see if you qualify for the procedure based on information provided by your plastic surgeon and/or primary care doctor or other treating physicians.  It is typically recommended that you wait at least 6 months after your are done breast feeding before proceeding with reduction surgery and most women are able to breast feed after surgery.  However, if there are any complications with surgery or you have a free nipple graft as part of the surgery, you will not be able to breast feed again.  Discuss these issues with your board certified plastic surgeon during the consultation. Best wishes!

Will Tricare cover a breast reduction and will I be able to nurse another child?

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Answer: Will Tricare cover a breast reduction and will I be able to nurse another child

Answer: Will Tricare cover a breast reduction and will I be able to nurse another child

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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Will Tricare cover a breast reduction and will I be able to nurse another child?

Answers (4)

Answer: Will Tricare cover a breast reduction and will I be able to nurse another child

Answer: Will Tricare cover a breast reduction and will I be able to nurse another child

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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.