American Society of Plastic Surgeons
For Medical Professionals
 
shamere harvey
3 years ago
Answered

insurance ?

so im 17 years old and i was wondering if you guys take insurance , i been having bad back pains for a while, unable to walk long distances & it just a lot of weight on my body , its hard to exercise , and do many physical activities . i haven't been able to able to find a surgeon . im 4'11 and my breast size is 42 G

Procedure: Breast Reduction
Location: reston, VA

Replies 4

Carolyn Rogers-Vizena
ASPS Surgeon

Hi there! Large breasts can be very tough to manage, especially as a young person. I’m sorry you are suffering. Most surgeons do take insurance for breast reduction surgery, although sometimes it can be challenging to get coverage before 18 years old. Since you are fairly young, I’d suggest looking for a surgeon at your local children’s hospital. We do this surgery very often here at Boston Children’s and I suspect there are surgeons at Childrens National Medical Center near you who do as well. All the best of luck to you!

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Nelson Castillo

Thank you for sharing your question. A majority of plastic surgeons take insurance and can certainly evaluate you for a breast reduction given parental consent. I would contact a number of offices in your area for in-person evaluations in order to get the best treatment advice.

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Michelle Copeland
ASPS Surgeon
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Breast reduction may be covered by insurance when surgery is performed to reduce neck, back, or shoulder pain or other problems related to the spine. Recently, managed care has adopted stricter standards for coverage, so make sure these problems are thoroughly documented by your primary care physician and plastic surgeon. Large breasts may not only interfere with your physical ability to function in daily activities but can be emotionally burdensome as well. From what you describe you are a candidate for breast reduction. Breast reduction surgery removes excess breast tissue and reshapes the contour of the breasts so that they are smaller and perkier. It is possible to do a breast reduction with a minimal scar technique and can often be done as an outpatient procedure under twilight sedation. It's important to have realistic expectations and an understanding of the commitment needed for the healing process. I suggest making an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon.

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Tracy McCall
ASPS Surgeon

Check the find a surgeon link at the top of this page. It will list board certified plastic surgeons in your area. You can also call the phone number on the back of your insurance card to find surgeons in your insurance network. You can ask your primary care doctor to refer you to a plastic surgeon as well. I will tell you that your band size is high for your height. It could be that you've never been professionally fitted for a bra and are wearing the wrong bra. I do recommend a professional fitting if you've not had that done. I would also recommend that you talk to your doctor about a weight loss program. I know that weight loss is hard and not what you want to hear, but sometimes the insurance company wants to hear that you've tried to lose weight before they cover the procedure. Breast reduction surgery is a great surgery and I hope you are able to get insurance approval.

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