Am I qualified for free breast reduction with 34D?

Question

I am 5'1, 126 pounds and wear a 34D. I also have mid scoliosis. But I am constantly having neck and back pains and my breasts just always feel heavy for me. I feel completely uncomfortable with the size. Always wearing clothes a little bigger than me to hide the fact that they're big and going shopping for baiting suits is difficult and embracing for me. Am i qualified for a free breast reduction?

Steven L. Ringler, MD, FACS · Answer

Breast reductions are generally not done for free. Many insurance companies now require patients to under go physical therapy and medication for 6-12 months before approving surgery. Though it may be covered by insurance, most people have deductibles and co-insurance that they have to pay. You would need to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine if you qualify but you should also check with your insurance carrier to make sure breast reduction is a covered benefit. Good luck.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. I am sorry to hear about the problems your disproportionately large breasts are causing; based on your description, you may be a good candidate for breast reduction surgery. “Official” recommendations of course would necessitate in-person consultation.
Breast reduction surgery is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform. By removing “excess” breast tissue, adipose tissue, and breast skin  this operation reduces and lifts the breasts to a higher position on the chest wall. By doing so, patients often find improvement in neck, back, and shoulder discomfort and find it easier to form their activities of daily living and exercise.
Sometimes breast  reduction surgery is covered through health insurance.  unfortunately, online consultants will not be able to help you  when it comes to predicting whether your specific policy will cover the procedure, or not.  A phone call to the insurance company may be a good place to start. The best way to obtain insurance coverage for breast reduction surgery involves some “hoops” to jump through. The more documentation you have (for example, from your primary care doctor, physical therapist, chiropractor etc.) the better when it comes to obtaining insurance “authorization” for the procedure.
This documentation and letter/pictures from your plastic surgeon will help you obtain authorization.  Also, when it comes to dealing with health insurance companies, it may pay to be persistent. It will also be important that you communicate your goals with breast reduction surgery carefully; discussing goals in terms of achieving a specific cup size can be a source of miscommunication and/or disappointment. In my practice, I find the use of goal pictures helpful.
When the time is right,  seek consultation with well-trained/experienced board-certified plastic surgeons. Ask to see lots of examples of their work and communicate your goals clearly.
I hope this, and the attached link, helps.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

A breast reduction can not be done for free, but you may consult with a plastic surgeon to see what your particular insurance covers breast reduction and what their criteria are, and working in concert with your surgeon, it may be possible to get insurance coverage for it.

Ellen A. Janetzke, MD · Answer

It may be covered by insurance but it certainly is not free. Most people have deductibles and co-insurance that they have to pay. You would need to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine if you qualify but you should also check with your insurance carrier to make sure breast reduction is a covered benefit.

Josef Hadeed, MD, FACS · Answer

I'm not sure what you mean by a free breast reduction.  It is possible that your insurance company may cover the majority of the costs associated with the surgery, but you will likely be responsible for a portion of the fees.

Am I qualified for free breast reduction with 34D?

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Am I qualified for free breast reduction with 34D?

Answers (6)

Answer: Qualified for breast reduction

Answer: Qualified for breast reduction

Answer: Breast reduction

Answer: Breast reduction

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.