For those struggling with overly large breasts, breast reduction surgery can be life-changing. Not only does it help improve back/neck/shoulder pain, but it can make it easier to exercise, fit into clothing, and boost self-confidence. You may wonder, “Isn’t breast reduction covered by insurance?” The answer is it depends.
Let’s take a look at what breast reduction surgery involves, whether insurance covers it or not, and what self-pay financing options we offer at Mountain Lake Plastic Surgery to make affording the procedure a whole lot easier. You may be surprised by how much easier it is to pay for breast reduction with the self-pay options we have at our Burlington, VT office.
What is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Breast reduction surgery involves the removal of skin and tissue from the breast. The breast is then reshaped and lifted to create a smaller, more youthful, and more proportional breast.
The procedure is done under anesthesia and takes only 2-3 hours. Patients can return home the same day and recover in the comfort of their own space.
Why have a Breast Reduction?
A breast reduction is typically done when a patient comes in struggling with pain in their back or neck, a rash or skin irritation in the crease of the breast, or dents in their shoulders from bra straps. Other common reasons are dissatisfaction with the appearance of sagging breasts, unwanted attention due to large breast size, or difficulty finding bras, bathing suits, and clothing that fit properly.
Is Insurance Your Best Option When Paying For Breast Reduction?
You might be surprised, but the answer to this question is often no. Insurance providers typically only cover breast reduction if patients meet a strict set of criteria (and the criteria are different for every insurance plan!). We are also seeing an increasing number of insurance plans that have an exclusion for breast reduction and don’t cover the procedure at all. At your consultation, we will determine if you will meet your insurance company’s criteria, but getting coverage and figuring out how much it will cost you can be difficult to navigate. If you meet criteria, our office will help you through the process by submitting documentation to the insurance company and requesting a pre-authorization. In some cases, this is a smooth process but in others, patients may deal with denials or lack of transparency about what their out-of-pocket costs will be. Some of our patients spend hours on the phone with their insurance companies only to be frustrated with the results. Using a self-pay option can make the payment process much less of a hassle and ensures you can get in to have your breast reduction much faster.
Self-Pay Options For Breast Reduction Surgery
At Mountain Lake Plastic Surgery, we offer a variety of self-pay options, so you never have to deal with an insurance company. When you come in for your first appointment, the process begins with a self-pay consultation. During this appointment, we will discuss what financing options are available to you.
We offer both Alphaeon Credit and Care Credit to ensure all of our patients have the ability to afford the procedures they’re looking for. We do not want cost to be a barrier for anyone who could benefit from a life-changing procedure like a breast reduction.
Schedule A Consultation
Are you struggling with the size of your breasts and looking to reduce their size? Dr. MacLennan and Dr. Schmidt at Mountain Lake Plastic Surgery can answer any questions you have, walk you through the whole breast reduction procedure, and discuss which payment option is best for you.
Having a board-certified plastic surgeon ensures that your procedure will be done safely and that you’ll get the stunning results you’re looking for. To schedule a consultation today, call our Burlington, VT office at (802) 231-4284 or use our online scheduling form.
