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Is Breast Reduction of 38I to 38D Possible?

asked 2 years ago by Laura41 in Memphis, TN
Latest answer by Francis (Frank) William Rieger, MD
Question viewed 4,097 times
Tags: age 35-44, breasts, female, 190-209 lbs, back pain, D cup, HH cup, insurance, pain, rash

I have had a great deal of neck and back pain for years (I was a DD as a 10-year-old and I am now an I cup as a 41-year-old). I also have rashes under my breasts, and grooves in my shoulders from the weight even though I have fantastic bras.

I know I am a good candidate for reduction surgery and insurance has indicated they will likely approve due to these factors. I have lost 80 pounds and now weigh 190lbs only a loss of one cup size. I am wondering how much tissue is likely to be removed.

13 answers to Is Breast Reduction of 38I to 38D Possible?

Technique Used to Reduce Breast Size Can Effect How "Small" You Can Go

As plastic surgeons, we estimate how much breast tissue MAY be removed using a formula called the Schnur Scale...it is based on BMI ( which is based on height and weight). Since you did not mention your height I cannot compute the estimated amount per breast that MIGHT be removed. Sometimes women have very dense breast tissue which weighs "heavy"; sometimes they have very fatty breast tissue which weighs "light"...therefore, sometimes the... more

Jana K. Rasmussen, MD
West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon

Massive breast reduction can change your life.

Hi. You probably need to have 1000 grams of tissue removed from each breast, and based on your picture and your story, I recommend that you have a breast reduction.

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction Goals and Objectivies

If you already know that your insurance would authorize your Breast Reduction, you probably already saw a Plastic surgeon who then communicated with your insurer. First - for insurance to "cover" Breast Reduction surgery you first must have Breast Reduction benefits on your policy. (Not all policies have this coverage). Second - Regardless of your breast size, most policies in Tennessee (and many other states) mandate you can prove 6 months of "conservative therapy" -... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Very large breast reduction.

You certainly should be qualified to have a breast reduction because of your size and noted complaints. The largest bra size that I have ever had for a breast reduction was a 42JJ, and the patient was reduced to a D cup. The amount of weight removed from each breast was about3000 to 3500 grams( approximately 6.5 pounds each side. You should be able to have a good result, but the technique may have to be a free nipple technique, meaning that the nipple and areola will... more

Francis (Frank) William Rieger, MD
Tampa Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction sizing

Thank you for the photograph. Your objective of reducing breast size from I to D cup is reasonable and, since more than 1000 grams would need to be removed from each side, it is quite possible that your insurer will approve the procedure without mandating physical therapy or other conservative treatment. When breasts are this large, there is only one viable treatment option and that is surgery. Seek a board certified plastic surgeon who performs the procedure regularly. It is one of the... more

Robert L. Kraft, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

www.foresthillsplasticsurgery.com

Breast reduction

Congratulations on your weight loss. I'm also happy that that your insurance company has indicated that they will cover your breast reduction surgery. It sounds like it is clearly indicated. Breast reduction surgery is one of the most patient pleasing operations we do. Patients generally experience almost instantaneous gratification with relief of the symptoms you describe. Unfortunately, it is not possible (without direct examination) to give you a estimation of the... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction

Going down to a "D" cup is probably reasonable if you are so larger, but a formal exam would be important to be more precise.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction of 38I to 38D

Hard to answer but I sure over 800 grams per side if not more. Go see 3 boarded plastic surgeons in your area to get an in person opinion. This is the best route foryou. Regards!

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction Requirements

Once you have seen a plastic surgeon for your breast reduction, they will take pictures and do a write up and submit it to the insurance company. They will look at your height and weight and come up with body surface area which will translate to how much breast tissue needs to be removed for this procedure to be medically necessary. If you are an I cup then I dont think it would be any issue getting your surgery approved under insurance. Is it possible to get you down to a D cup? Yes it... more

Farbod Esmailian, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction

You are likely a very good candidate for Breast reduction. The final size is determined by you and your plastic surgeon but there is no guarantee of size. It is extremely difficult to be precise regarding size during the surgery but we get pretty close. Make certain you see a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in breast reduction surgery.

John P. Stratis, MD
Harrisburg Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction

Breast reduction is a very common procedure. The amount of tissue to be removed depends on your anatomy and the goal of the procedure. It is impossible to predict an exact post-operative size, but the goal is to meet your expectations while performing a safe surgery. Good luck.

David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

See a board certified plastic surgeon for breast reduction

Contact a local plastic surgeon in your area that is board-certified and an ASPS member. There are a few ways to estimate how much breast weight should be removed to approach a particular cup size. The estimations are based on several variables, including your height and weight, and breast measurements. These are only estimates, but can give you an idea if the size of reduction that you desire is safe and reasonable. Remember, concentrating on cup sizes can be misleading. Its probably... more

Scott Sattler, MD
Bellevue Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction Weight Requirements

Most insurance companies look at your height and weight (BSA) and the estimated weight of tissue to be removed. Requirements vary among cos. You don't provide a height, but my guess is that between 500 and 750 grams of tissue would need to be removed from each breast. You should obtain a consultation with a BC plastic surgeon who can provide your with more info and can communicate with your insurance companies.