Breast Reduction of 500 Grams from D Cup Breasts?

Hello Some insurance companies, like yours, have a flat requirement of 500 grams for "approval." That does not take into account whether you are 5'5", 5'7" , 5'11' or what your body weight is. From what you tell us, your breasts are not that big (between D and DD. medium frame) The problem for your surgeon is that, during surgery, he/she may find that your shape and size would be great with a 400 gram reduction. Your surgeon is then faced with a terrible option:... more

Each insurance company is different with what they require to "authorize" the breast reduction surgery through insurance. I write a letter and send photos of the patient when trying to get authorization (I am sure most plastic surgeons do this as well). Also getting supporting letters from other doctors who can document that you have had neck, back and shoulder pain and/or rashes due to the large breasts. Supporting documentation is usually very helpful. It sounds... more

Patients today have many great options to effectively reduce and contour their breasts. In our practice, we work closely with patients to understand what their goals are and how much breast tissue is necessary to alleviate any pain symptoms that they may have and to obtain the look that they are looking for. Before the surgery, we can sometimes give an estimate as to how much tissue will be removed. However, there is no exact way to determine how much breast tissue will be resected. Be... more

Without examining you it is very difficult to say whehter or not a 500 gm reduction is not only suitable for you but will provide you with a reasonable  volume of tissue to provide you with a nice looking breast.

Based on your current bra size, height and weight (but not on an actual examination), I recommend that 500gm will reduce your breast to C cup or smaller. Your plastic surgeon may give you a better idea, based on an examination. If your orthopedic, PT and plastic surgeons all think that reduction of smaller amounts will improve your shoulder symptoms, then you should appeal the decision of your insurance company. As to your question about firmness and roundness after surgery, the reduced... more

The old requirement from insurance co. was to remove 500gm (454gm=1lb) of breast tissue no matter what height or weight the patient was. Most insurance co. now base their "weight" requirement on the patient's BSA (body surface area). Obviously a patient who is 5'2" tall and has a D cup and one who is 6' tall and a D cup represent different weights. A 500gm reduction in the taller person will lead to a B/C cup, in the shorter one might mean a mastectomy.... more

Hi!  Unfortunately, a 500 gram breast reduction for each of your breasts will leave you with a B cup, and maybe even a small B cup.  So I don't recommend it.

Final cup size in breast reduction is unprdictable. You should determine whether you want to be as small as possible, medium or still large but enough to have insurance cover the procedure. Considering your initial cup size 500 grams per side should not be too small for you.

Given the info you provided, my guess is that you would be approx. a C-cup with a 500 gram reduction.  There are several variables, however, and you should discuss this with your plastic surgeon.

Most insurance companies will specify a minimum requirement of breast tissue to be resected, per side. Five hundred grams is commonly specified. Many determinants contribute to your eventual size and appearance; some include: a) the percentage of glandular to fatty breast tissue. If you have more glandular tissue, it is likely that your shape will remain higher with less tendency to drop again. b) the technique used for breast reduction. Ask your PS which one would be more likely to... more