Should I Have Breast Reduction Before Or After Bariatric Surgery?

Q: Dr. Eppley, I am interested in breast reduction surgery. Next month I am having barbaric surgery with a sleeve done. I have had a lot of female problems. I am having pain in my back and my chest from my large breasts. I do have Aetna Insurance so how does that process work to get a reduction on my breasts and having the insurance cover it?

Breast Reduction results right oblique view Dr Barry Eppley IndianapolisA: Breast reduction is often covered by insurance and the process to determine if they will pay for it is known as predetermination. This requires photos to be sent as well as documentation that efforts at physical therapy are done (I don’t make the rules, we just have to follow them) for the insurance company to consider coverage. However, if you are going to lose weight, particularly through bariatric surgery, breast reduction surgery should only be considered after the weight loss has occurred. Significant weight loss has been shown to affect breast volume. You may find out that you only need a lift and not a reduction as extreme amounts of weight loss can cause a lot of breast volume to be lost. Wait to consider breast reshaping/reduction surgery until your breasts are in a stable period where your weight is where you want it or the best that it can be.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana