Question:
breast reduction

Has anyone who has lost over a 100 pounds had a breast reduction, and have you been satisfied with the reduction only? MY insurance will cover a reduction only. Thank you    — Schatzie1 (posted on July 10, 2003)

July 9, 2003
I had a breast reduction that took me from a 'D'cup to a 'B'cup. I personally love it and would not consider having implants to make them 'puffier'. I had a mastopexy which reduces and 'lifts' the breasts. My boobs now look like they did when I was 14. And, with the 'keyhole' technique my doc used, I have full nipple sensation (actually better than when they were extremely droopy) and could even breast feed if I ever got pregnant. Good Luck to you!
   — merri B.

July 9, 2003
Hi Rose, Just wondering what the wording is on that policy. The insurance company has to look at ALL procedures to determine if it is medically necessary vs cosmetic unless they put an exclusion like "Excusion on breast lifts" If you just spoke to someone and they said that breast lifts aren't covered that doesn't count. Hanging breasts of skin can cause just as much trouble as bigger hanging breasts. Back problems, rash etc. My ps wrote that "She doesn't want them any bigger or smaller, just back where they belong" to eliminate the symptoms I mentioned above. I wouldn't give up without a fight and I would appeal to the end. Best of luck!
   — ZZ S.

July 10, 2003
Hi Rose, I had a breast reduction before WLS, but I am so happy with my lil boobies. I was a 52 E now I am a 38 or 40 B. I want to tell you of a great support site for all breast issues, reductions, augmentation, masectomies etc it is www.breasthealthonline.com you will find so much infor on the surgery, insurance etc there! tell em stephi 3.29.01 sent ya!
   — Stephanie B.

July 10, 2003
I watched the live telecast last week from the University of Pittsburg (their monthly support meeting). It was interesting as plastic surgery was the main topic of the night. The surgeon talked about breast reduction being covered by insurance BUT they had to be extremely careful with this one as the insurance company required a certain amount (pounds) to be removed from the breasts. After the removal, the surgeon actually has to weigh the skin/fat etc they have removed. If it is less than what the guidelines state, then the insurance will refuse payment. So do some research, be sure you meet the qualifications and go from there.
   — [Deactivated Member]

July 10, 2003
I had a reduction, with the reduction, you automatically get lift. THat is part of the procedure. Most insurances require that you be a certian size for the reduction, and so much tissue is remopved. Go see a plastic surgeon and ask their opinion. Dr. Weiss in Glen Burnie is good and will work hard with the insurance company to get you covered.
   — Vicki L.

July 10, 2003
Hi Im the poster and wanted to say Thanks to everyone who answered
   — Schatzie1

July 11, 2003
I just had my breast reduction six weeks ago and I can't stop looking at them. Ok, I do stop looking when I'm in public :) Although, the reduction was for medical reasons, back problems, grooves in the shoulders, and rashes there are cosmectic benefits. Any plastic surgeon worth their weight in gold will lift you with the reduction. He/she should want their patient happy - you are their advertisment. God Bless Cheryl -125
   — Cheryl S.