American Society of Plastic Surgeons
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JeNita
5 years ago
Answered

Breast Reduction

-countinue... I had surgery to remove a cyst growing on my areola. My chest is very lumpy. I am very worried because my aunt had breast cancer twice and it seems as if more knots are forming and I can now feel them by my under arm. My question is , how do I go about getting a Reduction with my insurance and do you think I am eligible?

Procedure: Breast Reduction
Location: Detroit, MI

Replies 3

Michael Cohen
ASPS Surgeon

JeNita,

you sound like a good candidate for a breast reduction. You should obtain a referral from your primary care doctor to a board certified plastic surgeon who performs a lot of breast surgery. Based on your height and weight, it sounds like most insurance companies would approve a reduction of about 280 - 300 grams per breast (however, your plastic surgeon will give the better estimate after examining you). In order to maximize the chances of your insurance covering your surgery, make sure your primary care doctor documents that in his or her opinion your large breasts are causing you physical symptoms of neck pain, upper back pain, shoulder pain, and bra strap grooves. I recommend that you see a physical therapist as well, because many insurance companies like to see that physical therapy failed to help you with your symptoms before they approve a breast reduction surgery. Good luck

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Jon Ver Halen

Dear Je Nita,

Hello and thank you for your excellent question. Based on your description, you do sound like an excellent candidate for a breast reduction. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!

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Bahram Ghaderi
ASPS Surgeon

Hello and thank you for your question. As others have stated, it sounds like you may be a great candidate for a breast reduction. I would recommend meeting with a board certified plastic surgeon for a consultation to answer all your questions and see if you meet the criteria for insurance coverage. I would also encourage you to bring someone you trust with you to the consultation as support. I hope this helps!

Best wishes,

Dr. Bahram Ghaderi

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