Are Breast Reductions Covered By Alberta Health Care?

Breast reduction surgery can be covered by health insurance in Alberta. To qualify, at least 300 grams of tissue needs to be removed. This roughly equates to 2 bra-cup sizes (i.e. from a D cup down to a B). If the primary goal is a breast lift, the procedure will not be covered by health insurance.

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How much is breast reduction surgery in Alberta?

Radiance Plastic Surgery Surgical Procedure Fees

Face Procedures
Breast Reduction (cosmetic): $7500 – $9500
SAFE Lipo-Sculpting (with covered reduction): $2500 – $4200
Male Chest Rejuvenation (gynecomastia): $5000 – $6500
Areola Revision: $2200 – $3500

How to get a free breast reduction in Canada?

Breast reductions are covered by all provincial health plans, but must be approved based on criteria that vary from province to province. (For example, in Ontario, size is not sufficient grounds for coverage, there must be associated back or neck pain. In Nova Scotia, at least 500 grams per breast must be removed.)

How big do your breasts have to be to qualify for a reduction?

Most surgeons say that your breasts don’t need to be a certain size to be a candidate for breast reduction surgery. The more important factor is whether your breast size causes physical and mental health issues.

Do you have to pay for a breast reduction in Canada?

Breast reduction surgery is covered by OHIP but requires application and preapproval by OHIP before surgery. Some techniques for breast reduction require liposuction and this is not an uninsured service; liposuction is not covered by OHIP. In this case, the patient is responsible for the associated costs.

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How do I qualify for a breast reduction in Alberta?

Breast reduction surgery can be covered by health insurance in Alberta. To qualify, at least 300 grams of tissue needs to be removed. This roughly equates to 2 bra-cup sizes (i.e. from a D cup down to a B). If the primary goal is a breast lift, the procedure will not be covered by health insurance.

Does Alberta Health Care cover plastic surgery?

Does Insurance or Alberta Health Care cover surgery? Generally, most plastic surgery is not covered by Health Care or private insurance plans. There are a few cases, such as breast reduction and breast reconstruction that are fully covered.

How long does it take to get a breast reduction after consultation Canada?

The Process of Obtaining a Breast Reduction In Canada.
On average, the time between the referral and the consult is between 5 months and a year. Following the consult, the plastic surgeon submits the woman’s file to the provincial ministry of health; the approval process can take on average from 1 week to 3 months.

How long is breast reduction recovery?

On average, you can expect your recovery to take two to six weeks. If you have a sedentary job, you’ll likely be cleared to return to work within just a week; for a very active job, you’ll need a respite of two weeks.

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What size breasts are considered large?

On the basis of published data and results from this study, it is recommended that patients with a cup size>or=D or a bra size>or=18 could be categorized as having large breasts, with all other patients considered average in size.

How many cup sizes can I go down with a breast reduction?

Typically, most women drop one or two cup sizes with breast reduction surgery. This is usually sufficient to alleviate the many problems associated with overly-large breasts, while still maintaining an attractive and proportionate body shape.

Do I have to lose weight to get a breast reduction?

While it is possible to have a breast reduction at your current weight, it is certainly safer for you to lose weight to at least under 200 lb. , and preferably more. If you lose weight prior to surgery, your breast shape will be better and more stable than if you lose it after.

Is a breast reduction worth it?

Successful breast reduction surgery can relieve pain in the upper back, neck and shoulders. It might also increase the ability to take part in physical activities and promote a better self-image. Results will show right away, but it can take months for the swelling to completely go down and the surgical scars to fade.

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How do you know if you need a breast reduction?

Dissatisfaction with large and heavy breasts. Breast weight causes neck or back pain and discomfort. It is difficult to find a brassiere or clothes that fit. Chronic under-breast rashes and/or shoulder marks from bra straps.

How long does breast reduction surgery take?

Breast reduction is performed under a general anaesthetic. It can take between one-and-a-half to three hours. There are several different surgical procedures for breast reduction. Excess skin and fat is removed.

What documents are needed for breast reduction?

In most cases, insurers require the surgeon write a letter describing the patient’s symptoms and physical findings, estimating the breast weight to be removed, and requesting coverage. This should be done prior to scheduling surgery because the insurer may not be obligated to pay if surgery was not preauthorized.

Is a tummy tuck covered by Alberta Health Care?

The tummy tuck procedure is considered a cosmetic procedure by AHS and is therefore not covered even with a referral from the Family Physician.

What isn’t covered by Alberta Health Care?

Hospital services not covered
hearing aids, medical and surgical appliances, prosthetics, supplies, mobility devices, etc. Alberta Aids to Daily Living may provide some of these services.

Is a breast lift covered in Alberta?

If your breasts are moderately large, and have lost some of their shape, a Breast Lift and Breast Reduction are the surgical procedures performed to correct this problem. Both procedures are performed during the same operation. If the breasts are very large, the procedure may be covered by Alberta Health Services.

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How painful is breast reduction recovery?

You may feel sore for 2 to 3 weeks. You also may feel pulling or stretching in your breast area. Although you may need pain medicine for a week or two, you can expect to feel better and stronger each day. For several weeks, you may get tired easily or have less energy than usual.

Do you go home same day after breast reduction?

You may need to get a mammogram before this surgery. Your healthcare provider will give you more information. You’ll be able to go home the same day as your surgery.