Question:
Has anyone had breast reconstruction with implants, covered by insurance?

My PS says that I have very little tissue left in my breast. They are also asymetrical. I am currently a triple D. If I have all the excess skin removed, I am concerned with what I will end up with. Has anyone ever heard of implants being covered after massive weight loss. I don't want to be huge, just normal. I have lost almost 200lbs. Thanks for any info.    — Allison M. (posted on April 23, 2005)

April 23, 2005
Dear Allison, I too, have little breast tissue, I've been to two plastic surgeons in NY City who say I can get an implant to fill out the breast. It is 1,000 more for saline and 2,000 more for silicone. I think it would have to come our of my pocket, however I am in a different situation because I am Medicare primary and Empire secondary. I'm not even sure my surgery will be covered at all by Medicare. If I find out information I will get back to you. Joyce E.
   — joisea

April 23, 2005
I'm sorry to say that almost all insurances will not pay for implants unless you have lost a breast to cancer. You should call your insurance and ask what their requirements are for a breast reduction. Mine only required 300 grams removed per breast. I was a saggy 34DD and now a very perky 34C and I love it. All the best.
   — Lacy G.

April 28, 2005
Allison, I'll be 3 years post-op in August 2005 and am looking into this right now. I've lost 170 pounds and the ONLY post-op surgery I feel I need is a breast lift w/ implants. I was a 46 DD and now I'm a 36 C. However, they're pretty perky. My surgeon I'm currently consulting with said he will do his best to get the lift approved by insurance and all I will have to pay is $800 (out of pocket) for the implants. I want to be a DD again. I know that sounds big, but I have a large frame (5' 9" and a size 10), so after trying on the samples, they looked really good!. Anyway, look around for a good plastic surgeon. You should be able to find one that will tell you EXACTLY how to get approved for a lift and maybe even the implants. ALSO, this is really cool... I may not even need a lift, because my implants are quite a good size. That would be awesome! Hope that helps. Anna Lee
   — Annalee