Question:
Breast Lift - How much does a breast lift/reduction cost?

I know I will need one. How much do they usually, on average cost? Is there any way to get the insurance company to pay for it? ( I have BC/BS of Minnesota) AND, what is the average recovery time? Also, how long after surgery should I have this done?I really don't want to wait until I have reached my goal weight if possible. Thanks everyone...    — Kim B. (posted on October 17, 2001)

October 16, 2001
In conjunction with my hernia repair, the quote from my surgeon is $5,300 for a lift, $9,300 for a combined lift and abdominoplasty. My insurance company has denied both procedures on the grounds they are cosmetic. I am appealing their decision on the grounds they are reconstructive. My WLS was 16 months ago, and I am within 20 lbs. of my goal weight. I can't speak personally to recovery time, but my surgeon has estimated 2 - 4 weeks for the combined surgeries. -Kate-
   — kateseidel

October 17, 2001
I really don't know about cost - and I think that varies depending on where in the country you live. However, if you are large breasted you stand a good chance of having your insurance pay for it. What I've learned from reading this site is, never use the term plastic surgery - always refer to it as reconstructive surgery. If you are not that large breasted, I don't know if you can get insurance to cover it. I feel for you for I'm in the same boat and will be dealing with it when I get to my goal weight. Good luck, and, if you fins some good info, I'd appreciate your sharing it with me. Nancy ([email protected])
   — Nancy Z.

October 17, 2001
Yes, my insurance paid 100% for breast reduction. Go to http://www.plasticsurgery.org for their paper on breast reduction being reconstructive & not cosmetic. Include it with your request for surgery. Good luck to you!
   — [Deactivated Member]

October 18, 2001
Alot of insurance companies will cover breast reduction if your doctor feels it is medically necessary. My sister had it done & insurance paid due to lower back pain she was having. However, most insurance companies will not cover for a breast lift because that is cosmetic. But if you have a major college medical school close to you, you can call them & they offer all cosmetic surgeries for a fraction of the price you would pay to a plastic surgeon. The surgery itself is done by a medical student who has to get hours in to get his degree but there's always a medical surgeon right there helping & watching what he is doing. I have friends who have gotten breasts lifts this way & it will definitely be the way I go when I am ready.
   — Lori M.

April 30, 2003
I am sorry, but I have to comment on the last poster's comment, even if it is several years old. There is no way in hell I would be letting a medical student perform any kind of surgery let alone reconstructive surgery on me. You are wanting pleasing results, students may be able to perform the procedure where everything turns out ok, but in my opinion it's not likely to happen.I want an EXPERIENCED BOARD CERTIFIED SURGEON working on me. Thanks for the info, but no thanks.
   — gloriafb

February 24, 2004
I had my breast lift done on Jan 29th, 2004. I paid $4000 to my surgeon and $1000 to the hospital. I put it on my low interest credit card.
   — Mary H.