If you’ve been struggling with back pain, neck strain, or posture issues due to large breasts, you may be wondering—are breast reductions covered by insurance?
The short answer is: yes, they can be—but only if your surgery is considered medically necessary.
Let me explain how insurance coverage for breast reduction works, what makes the procedure medically necessary, and how you can improve your chances of getting approval. We’ll also talk about costs, documentation, and what to expect during the process.
Can Insurance Cover Breast Reduction Surgery?
Yes, many insurance plans do cover breast reduction—but only when it’s not done for cosmetic reasons.
That means, if you’re getting the procedure to relieve physical symptoms (like chronic back pain, skin rashes, or shoulder grooves), and you meet certain medical criteria, your insurance provider may cover part—or even all—of the cost.
But if you’re doing it purely to change your appearance, it’s considered cosmetic surgery, and insurance won’t help.
When Is Breast Reduction Medically Necessary?
Insurance companies have strict guidelines to decide whether breast reduction qualifies as a medically necessary procedure. Some of the most common medical reasons include:
- Chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain that doesn’t go away with physical therapy or medications.
- Rashes or infections under the breast fold that keep coming back.
- Shoulder grooves caused by bra straps digging into the skin.
- Nerve pain in the upper body due to breast weight.
- Posture problems and limited ability to exercise or perform daily tasks.
If your large breasts are causing health problems like these, your case is stronger for insurance approval.
What Does Insurance Require for Breast Reduction?
Most health insurance plans require you to meet a list of conditions and submit documentation before they approve the surgery.
Here’s what you’ll typically need:
1. Medical Records & Symptoms
Your doctor should document your symptoms, including:
- How long you’ve been experiencing pain or other issues
- Any treatments you’ve tried (like physical therapy, medication, or weight loss)
- Whether your symptoms are affecting your daily life
2. A Referral or Recommendation from Your Doctor
Most insurers want proof from your primary care physician or a specialist (like an orthopedic doctor or dermatologist) stating that the surgery is medically needed.
3. A Certain Amount of Tissue to Be Removed
Some insurance plans follow a measurement system called the Schnur Sliding Scale, which calculates how much breast tissue (in grams) must be removed based on your body surface area. If the planned reduction meets this minimum, it’s more likely to be approved.
4. Photos (Sometimes)
Some insurers ask for front and side-view photos to visually confirm that the breasts are large enough to justify a reduction.
5. Letter of Medical Necessity
This is often written by your surgeon and explains how the surgery will help improve your health, reduce symptoms, and prevent future problems.
How to Get Breast Reduction Approved by Insurance
Here’s how the process usually works from start to finish:
| Step | What You Do |
| 1. Consult Your PCP | Talk to your primary doctor about symptoms and get a referral. |
| 2. Track Symptoms | Keep a personal log of pain, rashes, or other issues. |
| 3. Try Conservative Treatments | Insurance often requires proof that non-surgical treatments didn’t work. |
| 4. See a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon | Choose someone who’s experienced with insurance-covered breast reductions. |
| 5. Get a Surgical Evaluation | The surgeon will assess your case, take measurements, and decide how much tissue should be removed. |
| 6. Submit Documentation | The surgeon’s office usually sends your full file to the insurance company. |
| 7. Wait for Approval | This can take 2–6 weeks, depending on the provider. |
| 8. Schedule Surgery | Once approved, you can move forward with surgery planning. |
How Much Does Breast Reduction Cost Without Insurance?
If insurance doesn’t cover your procedure, the cost of breast reduction can range from $7,000 to $15,000 or more. This includes:
- Surgeon’s fee
- Anesthesia
- Facility costs
- Pre- and post-operative care
Many clinics, like ours, offer financing plans or flexible payment options if your procedure isn’t covered. Be sure to ask during your consultation.
Tips to Improve Insurance Approval Chances
Getting insurance approval isn’t always easy, but these tips can help:
- Choose a plastic surgeon experienced in insurance cases – They know exactly what insurers are looking for.
- Be honest and detailed about your symptoms—mention how they impact your life.
- Use medical language in documentation. For example, “intertrigo” instead of just “rash,” or “kyphosis” instead of “bad posture.”
- Don’t give up if you’re denied. You can appeal the decision and submit more evidence.
Cosmetic vs. Medical Breast Reduction
Let’s clear this up:
| Cosmetic Breast Reduction | Medical Breast Reduction |
| Done for appearance | Done for health reasons |
| Not covered by insurance | May be covered by insurance |
| No physical symptoms required | Must have medical symptoms |
| You choose size/shape goals | Surgeon decides based on relief of symptoms |
If you just want smaller, perkier breasts for aesthetic reasons, that’s considered cosmetic surgery and you’ll have to pay out of pocket.
What About Postpartum or Weight Loss Patients?
If you’ve lost weight or had children and now struggle with large, saggy breasts, you might be a good candidate for a breast reduction and lift combo. If your symptoms meet medical necessity criteria, you still have a good chance of getting insurance coverage.
For moms considering this after pregnancy, a Mommy Makeover may also include a breast reduction if approved by your insurance provider.
Explore your options on our Breast Reduction page or read more about Mommy Makeover procedures to see what’s possible.
Are Breast Reductions Covered by Insurance?
Yes, breast reductions can be covered by insurance if they’re medically necessary. That means you need to prove that your large breasts are causing real physical issues—like back pain, rashes, or limited movement.
The process takes effort, documentation, and sometimes patience. But many patients successfully get approval and feel it was worth every step.
If you think you qualify, start by speaking with your doctor and scheduling a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can guide you through the insurance approval process.
Want to learn more or start your journey?
Visit our Breast Reduction Surgery page or Contact Us to schedule your personalized consultation.
