Question:
Breast reduction not approved because of amount of tissue....

I am almost 1 year post-op and have lost 135 lbs. (am 20 from goal:) Heres the problem: I went to a P/S with everything in order to get a breast reduction. He agreed I needed one, but told me that if he removed the 500cc that they ask for usually I would be left with nothing. I am a D cup now and am in pain from the excess hanging skin pulling me downward. Insurance company denied my request based on he asked for 300cc. Should I appeal for the 300cc? Should I appeal for a breast lift because I dont have enough tissue to be removed? I dont want to be a board...(it's a woman thing!!)....but Im so tired of hurting and looking like I have "rocks-n-socks". Any advice?    — A. B. (posted on December 13, 2004)

December 13, 2004
I always wondered about calling this breast reconstruction, rather than breast reduction. The surgery is different for a women who has lost a massive amount of weight. My surgery will include the sides too. I would appeal it if I were you. Good Luck!
   — Allison M.

December 13, 2004
Dear A.B. , Most insurance companies require the surgeon to remove at least 500 grams from each breast for a reduction. Anything less than that amount is considered "cosmetic" by the insurer, even if there is pain involved. An appeal will probably not go very far, so the best option is to persue a "breast lift" by your plastic surgeon. However, it is common for the breast shape to look "boxy" and "flat" after a lift in a weight loss patient unless an implant is placed or tissue is taken from below and secured to the upper chest to give a fuller appearance. I hope this information is useful. Joshua Kreithen, M.D. Lakewood Ranch Plastic Surgery, Bradenton FL - www.lakewoodranchplasticsurgery.com
   — Joshua Kreithen, M.D.

December 14, 2004
The first PS I went submitted the info to my Insurance and it was turned down. I went to another PS a few months later and he got it approved. I went from a DD cup to a C cup. I have scars all around my sides and under the breast. It was a definite reconstruction. It took me a while to get use to the new look, I am so use to them hanging to the floor but I am happy. I am still numb even though I am 2 months PO
   — beachdog

December 14, 2004
That was suppose to be DD not D cup that I am now. Thanks so much for the responses!! Every bit of advice is SO welcomed!!!
   — A. B.

December 15, 2004
i would like to talk to you in a email. i have had the reduction done. i look terrible from the stand point of i didn't go with inplants like he wanted me to . i felt like he had enough to work with to make me look good..boy it was a big mistake. i have a c cupp he says but i look like an a cup and i am very flat. i am still trying to get him to fix me to look normal again. He wants to charge me another 4500.00 to do this. if you want to email me i am at [email protected]
   — RITA B.