Is Visiting a Psychologist Necessary for Breast Reduction?

Question

I am mildly dysphoric about my breasts and rather want a breast reduction taking my large-C-cup breasts to a manageable A-cup. I am 18 and want to know if it is true that I need to go to a therapist for permission to get this procedure. I have talked to several friends, all saying that although I have no desire to have any other procedure other than reduction done, I will be recommended to see a therapist to be checked for mental disorders and then denied treatment based on the diagnosis.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Based on your description of your current age, breast size and goals  I think you should wait before having any breast surgery. I do not believe that your breasts currently cause symptoms typically seen with breast hypertrophy.

	Although it is not necessary to see a &ldquo;therapist for permission&rdquo; it may be in your best interests to see one anyway to discuss your &ldquo;mild dysphoria&rdquo;.

	If you decide to have surgery make sure you have done your homework and understand the potential risks, complications,  have scarring associated with breast reduction surgery. You  should also understand that further surgery may be necessary in the future (for example if the breasts were to grow in size again).

	Best wishes.

Jerry Lugger, MD · Answer

Hello Twig:

	       In my experience it is not necessary to obtain a psychological evaluation prior to breast reduction.  I frankly have not seen this as a prerequisite by an insurance carrier, although they seem to put so many "road-blocks" in the way of approval that I wouldn't be surprised that this would be mandated by some carriers.  Since you are only 18, your "body image" will be undergoing a number of changes in the years to come, so I would be very careful of changing it without a lot of thought and consultation with several board-certified plastic surgeons.  Going from a large "C" to an "A" cup is quite a difference, especially compared to something like an "E" to a "D". Sometimes, a good psychologist"s input is helpful, a I recall a patient younger than you who was quite large and was having severe problems with body image to the point of significant depression; with the psychologist's support, the breast reduction made quite a difference in this young lady's life ( and this probably helped with the insurance approval), but again I don't routinely obtain psych evaluations.  If you have a good relationship with your family, they may be another helpful resource to discuss this issue with. Good luck

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Only if required by your health insurance plan in order to obtain a predetermination approval. Many health plans in order to cover breast reduction request a psych evaluation.

Rodger Wade Pielet, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

An elective procedure always has the potential for second guessing.  If you are already questioning if a consult will be helpful to you, I think the answer is yes.  The more secure and comfortable you are with a decision the better it will be for you and your outcome.  Good luck

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

A qualified plastic surgeon should be able to advise you but generally a psychiatric evaluation is not indicated. Insurance companies usually require the patient to be 21 years old.

Is Visiting a Psychologist Necessary for Breast Reduction?

Answers (8)

Answer: Psycology pre operative

Answer: Psycology pre operative

Answer: Seek out the advice of a board certified plastic surgeon to consult

Answer: Seek out the advice of a board certified plastic surgeon to consult

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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Is Visiting a Psychologist Necessary for Breast Reduction?

Answers (8)

Answer: Psycology pre operative

Answer: Psycology pre operative

Answer: Seek out the advice of a board certified plastic surgeon to consult

Answer: Seek out the advice of a board certified plastic surgeon to consult

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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.