Is this something that my insurance BCBS of Michigan would pay for? At my age, would it be worth it?

Question

I'm 61 years old a 44 DD and my breasts are very saggy. My back and neck hurt, but not all the time. My biggest problem is when it is spring and summer I develop a rash under my breast that is painful and hard to get rid of.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thank you for your question. I’m sorry to hear you’ve been experiencing these complications. There’s a member services number on the back of your isurance card, if you give them a call they’ll be able to assist you with the details of your coverage as well as help you locate Board Certified Surgeons in your area that participate with your insurance. This should put you in the right direction of alleviating your breast issues. Good luck!

Franziska Huettner, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.
Age is not a defining factor to have this surgery or not. It depends more on the patients overall health and co-morbidities, weight to height ratio (BMI). So they way I see it you are 61 years young, and are potentially a great candidate for surgery. 
The back and neck pain, large breasts, and the rashes under the breasts are certainly qualifying factors for breast reduction surgery. But to know for sure, I would recommend you being seen and evaluated by a board certified plastic surgeon. He or she can then send your information to the insurance company asking for preauthorization. 
Best wishes, 
Franziska Huettner

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Your age is absolutely not a contraindication to  breast reduction surgery; assuming you are in good health and a good candidate for the procedure you may have an excellent outcome with the procedure.  This operation tends to be one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform, regardless of patient's age.Best to check directly with your insurance company to see whether breast reduction surgery is a “covered” benefit with your specific policy. Then, given that every insurance company has different “criteria”, best to identify exactly what your specific insurance company considers criteria for approval. Generally, 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. Keep in mind, as you work towards your goals breast reduction surgery is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform. Also, prepare to be persistent when dealing with health insurance companies. 
In regards to the outcome of the breast reduction surgery, the most important decision you make will be careful selection of your plastic surgeon. I would suggest starting with the American Society of Plastic Surgery and/or the Aesthetic Society of Plastic Surgery to obtain a list of well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons.
Then, I would suggest you visit a few surgeons whose practices concentrate on aesthetic surgery. ***Ask to SEE lots of examples of their work AND preferably speak/see patients who have had similar procedures done.
 
Hopefully, your only regret will be not having had it done earlier in life.  Best wishes.

Is this something that my insurance BCBS of Michigan would pay for? At my age, would it be worth it?

Answers (3)

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.

Is this something that my insurance BCBS of Michigan would pay for? At my age, would it be worth it?

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

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.