Is my physician correct in how much breast tissue she will remove for a breast reduction?
Asked 2014-06-19
My doctor wants to remove 400 grams of breast tissue; however my insurance will only cover the procedure if she takes 470 grams off. I talked to my physician and she won't change what she will take. She didn't measure me during my visit, she just took a picture and asked for my bra size weight and height. My height is 5'7' and my weight about 163 lbs. I'm going to another doctor to get second opinion. Is my physician correct in how much breast tissue she will remove?
1 answer
Procedure(s)
You need to understand that the amount of weight that insurance companies demand to be taken to qualify for coverage is arbitrary, non scientific and has no basis.
When a plastic surgeon does a reduction mammoplasty, none will be able to give an exact to the gram number that they are able to take out. The surgeon needs to perform the surgery safely, so that the blood supply to the nipple is left intact and the blood supply to the rest of the tissue and skin is also enough to minimize the risk of fat necrosis and skin loss. Also, the surgeon has to take in consideration what the patient's desires as far as the ultimate size. Taking too much to satisfy the insurance company will leave you with a small breast size that you may be unhappy with. Taking too little breast tissue leave you with a larger than desired size and requires another surgery!