My bra size is a 44G. I would like to know if I would be a good candidate for a breast reduction?

Question

I have indentations in my shoulders. I also have discolorations, rashes, and broken skin underneath my breast. No matter what I try it continues. I also have an odar. No matter how much I bathe it always comes back. Even between my breast when I take my bra off my skin splits.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

From your description it seems as if you are a good candidate for breast reduction. Unfortunately, each insurance company has their own criteria. Large breasts (macromastia) or breast hypertrophy can occur in a variety of conditions (family trait, post pregnancy, excessive adolescent growth). In general when the excessive breast size causes functional problems, insurance will generally pay for the operation if more than 400 – 500 grams are removed from each breast dependent on your individual insurance company requirements. These problems may include neck pain, back or shoulder pain, hygiene difficulty, and breast pain. Other problems which are less likely to be covered by insurance include skin irritation, skeletal deformity, breathing problems, psychological/emotional problems, and interference with normal daily activities. Pre-authorization by the insurance company is required prior to surgery, and the process takes approximately one month. Each insurance policy has different guidelines and exclusions.This procedure is commonly covered by insurance through insurance criteria are becoming more and more restrictive. Although we do not accept insurance, our staff will assist you in obtaining pre-authorization so that you can attempt to be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses

Christopher W. Chase, MD · Answer

If you are larger than desired, symptomatic, and medically healthy, then you are a potentially a candidate for breast reduction.. You should consult with a plastic surgeon to discuss and see whether you meet insurance criteria for coverage.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for sharing your concerns with us. After having analyzed all the information provided to us, i can realize that you have very large breasts for your height and weight, and can be responsible for head, back, neck and shoulder pain.In the future may cause  permanent osteo-articular damage in the back and shoulders and skin problems (mainly under the breasts). For for this reasons, certainly you need a breast reduction surgery.Respectfully,Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

C. Bob Basu, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

You may be a candidate but an in-person consultation is required to make any recommendations  If you are asking about insurance coverage, every insurance plan has their own unique criteria on whether they will 
cover a breast reduction. More and more, we are seeing plans where a 
breast reduction is not a covered benefit. If it is a covered benefit, 
some insurance plans set a minimum required amount of tissue to be 
remove in order to met their threshold for coverage. Some set the amount
 in relation to your BMI (height and weight). Others require extensive 
medical records documenting neck pain, back pain, and history of rashes.
 The other alternative is to opt for a breast reduction as a self-pay 
option. Start by visiting with a board certified plastic surgeon to 
learn more about your options.Best wishes,Dr. BasuHouston, TX

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Based on your description, you may be an excellent candidate for breast reduction surgery. This operation tends to be one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform.

“Typical” patients who present for breast reduction surgery are women who have disproportionately large breasts, causing problems such as neck/back/shoulder discomfort, postural changes, bra strap grooving, skin irritation/rashes under the breasts, and/or difficulty with activities of daily living and/or exercise etc. There may be both physical as well as psychosocial “stress” caused by the disproportionately large breasts.

Reducing breast tissue mass and elevating the breasts on the chest wall tend to improve or alleviate many of the symptoms associated with the disproportionately large breasts.

Patients considering breast reduction surgery should also consider the potential downsides (risks/complications) associated with the procedure as well. Poor scarring, for example may be associated with the procedure. Additional surgery may be necessary in the short or longer term for a multitude of reasons.

When the time is right, I suggest that you seek consultation with well experienced plastic surgeons who can demonstrate significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you would be pleased with.  Ultimately, careful selection of your plastic surgeon will be the most important decision you make.
To this end, 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.

Once you have chosen your plastic surgeon carefully, it will be important for you to communicate your goals carefully as well.

I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to breast reduction surgery concerns), helps. Best wishes.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

From your description and your symptoms you would seem to be a good candidate for a breast reduction.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

A  breast reduction might be appropriate for you but you would have to be seen in person. The odor may be from intertrigo or something else. An exam would be helpful to determine this.

Gary W. Cox, MD · Answer

Your symptoms describe a very good candidate for reduction mammoplasty.  Seek consultation with a qualified, experienced plastic surgeon.  The results will set you free!

Sugene Kim, MD, FACS · Answer

By candidate, I'm assuming you are asking about insurance coverage?  Breast reduction may or may not be covered depending on your insurance 
carrier and your breast size. Please check your insurance policy to see 
whether breast reduction is a covered procedure. Often times, insurance 
company will dictate how much breast tissue to be removed. Please visit 
an experiences, board-certified plastic surgeon to learn about the 
procedure, its cons and pros, benefits, and alternatives. Please contact
 your insurance carrier to learn about inclusion and exclusion criteria.
 Best wishes.

Thomas Guillot, MD (retired) · Answer

It sounds as though you have the symptomatology of large breasts and would probably be relieved by a breast reduction. You shouls see a board certified plastic surgeon for evaluation and to discuss your optins.

My bra size is a 44G. I would like to know if I would be a good candidate for a breast reduction?

Answers (11)

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