Ask A Doctor: Who is a good candidate for a breast reduction, and does health insurance cover the cost?

Q: Who is a good candidate for a breast reduction, and does health insurance cover the cost?

A: Breast reduction is indicated for women with large breasts and other symptoms resulting from excess weight in the breasts. These symptoms include neck/back pain, rashes under the breasts, grooves in the skin of the shoulders from bra straps and difficulty finding clothing to fit properly. A feeling of social awkwardness and difficulty with physical activities/exercise also may be present. In addition to the appropriate symptoms, there is also a requirement for removal of a certain amount or weight of breast tissue before the procedure will be covered by insurance. The amount of breast tissue to be removed is determined by the patient's height and weight. The procedure is usually performed as outpatient day surgery.

- Dr. Jimmy Waldrop, The Plastic Surgery Group; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society

Readers: To submit a question for medical doctors, email it to Clint Cooper at ccooper@timesfreepress.com. See this space each week for answers.

Upcoming Events