I am 37 years old, 5'7", 158 lbs, 36G (increased from 32F prior to kids). My goal weight is 135 lbs and I am now losing weight. What type of breast reduction is most appropriate for me, what is the approx cost, and is it likely to be covered by insurance? Is liposuction an option? What size breast would you recommend I go down to?
May 14, 2011
Answer: Size goal after breast reduction from a G cup
You will definitely improve your chances for a good long term outcome if you reach your target weight prior to surgery. Liposuction is generally not a good idea if you desire greater than a one cup decrease in breast size, or if there is any ptosis (drooping) of the breast prior to surgery. A reasonable goal for your post-operative breast size is probably a "D" cup, but would depend not only on your pre-operative breast size, but also chest wall dimensions, nipple location, shape of the breast, etc.
If your breast size is DDD or larger when you reach you target weight, you may qualify for insurance coverage if breast reduction is not an exclusion on your policy and you meet your insurance carrier's other medical criteria for coverage (specific coverage criteria vary from carrier to carrier and plan to plan). You may be able to find out your insurance company's criteria for coverage by contacting them directly. I would then recommend that you arrange for consultations with board-certified plastic surgeons who are experienced in breast reduction to find out which options /. methods would be most appropriate for you.
Good luck.
Helpful
May 14, 2011
Answer: Size goal after breast reduction from a G cup
You will definitely improve your chances for a good long term outcome if you reach your target weight prior to surgery. Liposuction is generally not a good idea if you desire greater than a one cup decrease in breast size, or if there is any ptosis (drooping) of the breast prior to surgery. A reasonable goal for your post-operative breast size is probably a "D" cup, but would depend not only on your pre-operative breast size, but also chest wall dimensions, nipple location, shape of the breast, etc.
If your breast size is DDD or larger when you reach you target weight, you may qualify for insurance coverage if breast reduction is not an exclusion on your policy and you meet your insurance carrier's other medical criteria for coverage (specific coverage criteria vary from carrier to carrier and plan to plan). You may be able to find out your insurance company's criteria for coverage by contacting them directly. I would then recommend that you arrange for consultations with board-certified plastic surgeons who are experienced in breast reduction to find out which options /. methods would be most appropriate for you.
Good luck.
Helpful
May 25, 2011
Answer: Goal breast reduction size- what should I aim for? You are doing a good thing to really think about ideal breast size prior to surgery.
1. Lose the weight first. You want to lose weight. Weight affects proportion, can affect breast size, and if you lose weight after the surgery it will loosen the lift and tightening.
2. Technical factors (pedicle length) may affect how small you can go. The droopier you are, the more limitation in general you would have.
3. You may drop down from a 36 again. I liposuction the axilla when doing a reduction. In some patients this can drop them to a 34 or 32. This affects cup size, as a 36C is similar breast volume to a 34D. (You said you used to be a 32.)
4. Keep proportion.
5. Discuss you with your doctor- your desires, activities, etc.
6. If you plan on future pregnancies, wait.
Helpful
May 25, 2011
Answer: Goal breast reduction size- what should I aim for? You are doing a good thing to really think about ideal breast size prior to surgery.
1. Lose the weight first. You want to lose weight. Weight affects proportion, can affect breast size, and if you lose weight after the surgery it will loosen the lift and tightening.
2. Technical factors (pedicle length) may affect how small you can go. The droopier you are, the more limitation in general you would have.
3. You may drop down from a 36 again. I liposuction the axilla when doing a reduction. In some patients this can drop them to a 34 or 32. This affects cup size, as a 36C is similar breast volume to a 34D. (You said you used to be a 32.)
4. Keep proportion.
5. Discuss you with your doctor- your desires, activities, etc.
6. If you plan on future pregnancies, wait.
Helpful