Breast Reduction
I am 49 years old and considering a breast reduction surgery. I am 5 feet (150cm) tall and weight 105-106 lb. my breast size is 32DDD, (on Vanity fair, Chantelle and Wacoal brand bras, I can’t wear the Victoria Secret brand).
I have seen a plastic surgeon and after consultation she suggested removing a total of 800cc for insurance to cover the cost. I would like to be a full C cup and afraid that removing 400cc from each breast will leave me to be smaller than what I like. My insurance says the amount of tissue removed has to be greater than 22 percentile on Schnur Scale. I looked at the Schnur scale table and base on my weight and body surface area (1.41-1.45) the threshold value per breast for me would be 238 per breast. Could you please tell me why she came up with 400cc? Is there something I am missing?
I may add that I do have shoulder pain, back pain and have had numerous physical therapy sessions for the past two years. I got approved by insurance but my surgeon says they will not pay if she removes less than 400cc.
Please I need to know as soon as possible so I can make a decision whether to go forward without the insurance and just pay out of pocket because the outcome is more important to me.
Every insurance company has different requirements. 200 grams on the average is 1 cup size. I would be very surprised to hear your insurance would accept 238g. Beware of insurance companies they may authorize your surgery but refuse to pay if insufficient tissue is removed.
Thanks for your question. Breast reduction is definitely one of the most satisfying procedures for patients. This is often tricky to estimate the amount of gland that will be removed, even during a consultation in person. It sounds as though you are perfect candidate for breast reduction based on your size and symptoms. The first decision is to decide how much breast tissue must be left behind to assure adequate blood supply to the nipple areolar complex. Once this is established the intended resection can be estimated. Often this is about 25% ballpark of the breast volume. Insurance companies often have a very arbitrary mass that they deem medically necessary. In my experience it is very uncommon to make someone too small, but I can appreciate your concern. Discuss this with your surgeon and hopefully it will give you peace of mind. Best of Luck!
Congratulations on considering breast reduction to improve your life and symptoms. You sound like an excellent candidate.
Your surgeon's office should be able to resolve your concerns about the insurance company minimum excision amount. Your surgeon should be in the best position to evaluate your current breast volume and the removal that would be needed to accomplish your goals, regardless of insurance requirements. Give her office a call, and possibly schedule another appointment for further discussion.