Do I qualify for breast reduction?

Question

Hello, I am a petite (5.0 ft), 20 year old female. I have a 34C/32D cup size and would like to know if I qualify to have at least 400 grams or a pound taken off of each breast for coverage Thank you. -always wearing a sports bra -regular bra leaves marks -unable to run comfortably I would like to be a comfortable small b cup.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

At
size 32 or 34, each 100 gram removal corresponds to 1 cup size change.  If you had 400 grams removed you would be
flat and be dissatisfied.  The technique
I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. 
This technique will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole
fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more
medial to increase your cleavage.  The
weight of the breast is transferred to the underlying pectoralis major muscle
resulting in pain relief and long term stability.  Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation
and the ability to breast feed are maintained. 
Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

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.
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. Again, your insurance company will be able to be more specific when it comes to what "hoops" they want you to jump through. Also, for many insurance companies, the closer you are to your long-term ideal weight, the better.
This documentation and letter/pictures from your plastic surgeon will help you obtain authorization.  
Also, prepare to be persistent when dealing with health insurance companies. Best wishes.

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your questions. This question can be tricky and if you plan to do it through insurance it would depend on your insurance and your exact plan as they all have different requirements. If you are currently a C/D cup and want to remove 400 grams, this would leave quite a small breast and you would need to have a discussion about whether that would meet your goals. My suggestion would be to have a consult with a local board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals.Good luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear breastreduction101,many women have overdevelopment of breast tissue and require reductions even younger than 20 years old some times.  Some of the questions you need to ask yourself are if you are willing to have scars from the surgery, take the risk of losing nipple sensation and other complications in addition to possible problems breast feeding if you plan to have children in the future. I would meet with a plastic surgeon to go over all of these risks and benefits to see if you would be a good candidate for surgery.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Steven Varkony, MD · Answer

If you are experiencing back pain, neck pain or shoulder
grooving, then you may be a candidate for a breast reduction. However, without
a proper consultation, it’s impossible to tell if it would benefit you. Make
sure to check with your insurance company as some will offer full or partial
coverage for this procedure. We recommend scheduling an appointment with your
plastic surgeon to further discuss the procedure and your after-surgery goals.

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Do I qualify for breast reduction?

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