Breast Reduction Surgery: Health Insurance, Payment Options, and What You Should Know By on November 24, 2013

Breast Reduction Surgery - Health Insurance Coverage EligibilitySome women may have issues with their body shape that are quite serious. One such issue is having breasts that are too large for their frame. Breasts that are too large can make it difficult to buy clothes that fit properly, make women feel self-conscious, and can even cause pain and soreness in the back, neck, and shoulder area. In order to address these cosmetic and health issues, it's important to meet with a skilled plastic surgeon.

Right now, we'd like to look at issues regarding health insurance and breast reduction surgery since a number of patients have expressed interest in such matters. We will be able to discuss this issue at greater length during your visit, but this basic information should prove helpful in general for your needs.

About Breast Reduction Surgery

Breast reduction surgery is a procedure that involves the careful removal of excess breast tissue. This is done via an anchor-shaped series of incisions:

  • One circular incision around the nipple
  • One incisions along the underside crease where the breast and chest meet
  • One vertical incision connecting the previously mentioned two

By doing this, the breast size is reduced and a more proportionate body contour can be achieved. If a woman experiences soreness and discomfort due to their breasts, this can be addressed thanks to the breast reduction surgery.

Health Insurance and Breast Reduction - Will Surgery Be Covered?

There are instances in which a woman's insurance coverage may be able to assist in the payment breast reduction procedure. The level of coverage and the stipulations will vary from policy to policy, so it's important that you check with your insurance provider and find out what information is required in order to receive coverage.

Questions Concerning Insurance and Surgical Eligibility

One of the important aspects of this issue is the medical necessity of the breast reduction surgery. The breast reduction surgery will not be qualified for coverage if it is purely for aesthetic or cosmetic reasons. If the size of a woman's breast does lead to issues with lower back pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain, insurance coverage becomes more likely.

Knowing the Steps to Take and Planning Accordingly

In many cases, patients will need to obtain letters from their general practitioner and their plastic surgeon describing the medical needs for the surgery and the proposed amount of breast mass to be removed. A certain amount of reduction and contouring will be necessary in order for the surgery to be considered medically necessary.

When discussing these matters with your insurance provider, make sure you follow all of their instructions to the letter so that the request will be less likely to be denied. We can help with further guidance and advice with these matters during your consultation.

Other Options for Payment to Consider

In addition to health insurance, many patients do turn to financing plans to help pay for their breast reduction surgery. This often puts the procedure within reach when it previously proved too costly. We will be more than happy to discuss all of your options with you in greater detail during your visit.

Learn More About Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

For more information about breast enhancement surgery and how you can benefit from careful body contouring techniques, be sure to contact our cosmetic plastic surgery center serving Minneapolis today. We look forward to meeting you in person and helping you make smart, empowered decisions regarding overall wellness and aesthetics.

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Dr. Gregory T. Mesna

Mesna Plastic Surgery & Aesthetic Center

Gregory T. Mesna MD, FACS, is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 20 years of top-level experience. He performs a wide range of surgical and non-surgical procedures to enhance and rejuvenate the face, body, and breasts. He is proud to be affiliated with:

  • The American College of Surgeons (Fellow)
  • The American Board of Plastic Surgery
  • The Minnesota Society of Plastic Surgeons
  • The American Society of Plastic Surgeons

You can request a free consultation at our office in Minneapolis, MN, by contacting us online or calling (952) 927-4556.

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