Weight Loss Requirement For Breast Reduction?

Many insurance companies use a body mass index (BMI) in calculating whether to cover breast reductions on the assumption that, if you are overweight, then the breast size is attributable to obesity which should be treated with a weight loss regimen rather than surgery. Insurers are more likely to apply these criteria in patients with DD-DDD breasts than in those with gigantomastia in which the resection would be greater than 1000 grams per breast. Most of us who perform breast reduction regularly have staff members who are knowledgeable about the insurance requirements, which vary by the company and are subject to change.

Women with a very high BMI often have extremely large breasts. The large breasts cause discomfort and make it difficult to exercise and burn calories.  Although breast reduction can be done under those circumstances,the surgery proceeds more smoothly if one is not obese.  Obesity increases the rate of wound infections, disruption of suture lines and tissue loss. Every 10 lbs of weight loss increases safety of your breast reduction.  It is not necessary to get all the way to your ideal body weight. The prospect of surgery can motivate you to achieve a healthier life style.  This promotes needed personal change at the same time as external change occurs.  More of a win-win situation.