Will Medicare Pay for a Breast Reduction?

FreeToBeMe · August 28, 2010

Hi all,

Even though I am down 110 pounds the size of my bosom has not shrunk. My back is constantly hurting. I have Medicare and am wondering if anyone knows whether it has covered a breast reduction? I also need to know if I should wait until I reach my goal weight first. I am so uncomfortable right now. When I was a thin teenager, my chest was oversized so I thinking that perhaps I do not have to wait until I reach goal.

TIA

Pen

educationrulz · September 12, 2010

I don't think any plastic surgeon worth their salt would do a reduction on someone in the middle of drastic weight loss from surgery. Why risk needing to go back and have something else done after you finish losing? My unprofessional opinion is that even if your breasts don't lose an inch, the rest of your body will be totally different proportionally after you reach goal and the placement of the breasts is dependent on your body.

Believe when I say I know the pain you're going through. I made the decision to have a breast reduction back in 2004 when my neck and shoulders were hurting so bad (for the millionth time) that I couldn't turn my head or hold a phone to my ear. I scheduled a consult that day and never looked back.

Now, I'm waiting to see how the girls are going to hold up post WLS. So far, they seem to be holding up well. I suspect this is because I shelled out the extra bucks to add a lift to my reduction procedure. But, time will tell. If they look REALLY bad after I reach goal, I would consider going back for another lift or implants. Crazy...I know. :thumbup: Despite how great it is to finally be losing weight for good, I still say the breast reduction was the best gift I ever gave myself.

As for Medicaid, I think I've heard that they cover reductions. You could probably find this out pretty easily with a basic web search or call to a patient rep. Hopefully you'll start getting some relief as your weight loss progress.

Ellisa · October 1, 2010

Yes Medicare does cover it if you meet their criteria. My mother (77 yrs old) is scheduled to have hers later this month. She's lost 50 lbs (lap band 2 years ago). She's wanted to have this done all her life... just never took the steps to do it. She's in excellent health. Find a facility that accepts Medicare that you are comfortable with performing your surgery and they will help you with the process.