HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

reducing the good breast

Support Forums
>
Breast Cancer
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 9/17/2005 11:36 PM (GMT 0)
I was wondering if anyone has had thier good breast reduced so it would be more equal with the B/C breast and did you have any trouble with your insurance. My insurance company said there has to be a medical reason for it. My good breast is double the size of the other and it bothers me. I wear sports bras and squish the good breast but some days that is very uncomfortable.
Thanks
Donna
Posted 9/18/2005 1:32 AM (GMT 0)
Your insurance company has its head up its @$$. I had to have it done and it is a legitimate medical problem. The extra weight on the good breast can cause neck problems. I had it done and had no problems. You'll need to have the plastic surgeon tell them it's a problem.

The only problem I had with my insurance company was that it was quite a long time from the mastectomy to the reduction. They said I had waited too long but with all the treatment I had, they approved it on the same phone call.

Good luck.

Jo-Ann
Posted 9/18/2005 1:47 AM (GMT 0)
Jo-Ann,
Thank you for your quick reply, I had a lumpectomy so I guess that must make a difference. How much time passed before you had this done, I'm about 15 months from when I had my lumpectomy.
I would really be more comfortable having this done but I guess I'll have to see how this plays out.
Thanks
Donna
Posted 9/18/2005 5:34 AM (GMT 0)
I think there is a law that says insurance companies HAVE to pay to have the other breast altered to make you more "even."  The law had not been passed at the time of my surgery, but neither of my insurance companies argued about the procedure.  I waited about a year after my original surgery before I had the "good" (is there anything "good" about breasts???) before I had my other breast reduced. (I finished chemo and allowed myself some recovery time.)

Maybe someone who has had more experience with that law can give more input? 

Good luck in your fight!

Love and hugs...

BEV

Posted 9/18/2005 6:36 AM (GMT 0)
Insurance companies are indeed required to pay for breast surgery to allow patient to have equal size breast. Also if the larger breast is bothering your back, you are off balanced from removal of breast, and it can have serious consequences on your spine, and balance. I am considering have same done, I am extremely large breasted on one side and had mastectomy on the other side. I have had terrible back aches since having the mastectomy, the surgeon said I might, as did the oncologist. I do have fibro, and two ruptured disk, which only add to the problem. Good luck, stand your ground with insurance.

Be Well God Bless

reenee
Posted 9/18/2005 2:01 PM (GMT 0)
Donna, mine was done about 20-21 months after the mastectomy.

Jo-Ann
Posted 9/19/2005 3:01 AM (GMT 0)

Donna:

I had mine done when the permanent implant was put in.  The insurance company has to cover it. It is the law.  It is all part of the reconstruction process.  No problems here with the reconstruction effect on the normal breast. 

Hugs,

Candy

Posted 9/19/2005 7:39 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for the info, I am calling my ins. company back and asking this question again. I will let you know what they say.
Best of health to you all.
Donna
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply