Schnur Sliding Scale for Breast Reduction

It’s not unusual for
insurance carriers to require that minimal amounts of breast tissue be removed
during breast reduction. This amount varies from insurance carrier to insurance
carrier. Many insurance companies now use the Schnour Sliding Scale to make
this determination. This scale adjusts the tissue removal requirements based on
weight/height calculations. In many cases, the resultant weight criteria may be
in direct conflict with the patient’s aesthetic goals.

 

         Unfortunately,
without the ability to view pictures or perform a physical exam it’s virtually
impossible to estimate your final breast size. This is further complicated by
the fact that cup size tends to mean different things to different people and is
a frequent source of confusion.

 

         Based on your
history it would be reasonable to estimate a C cup, but this is only an
estimate. It’s important to discuss this issue with your plastic surgeon. Your
surgeon should be able to give you some insight into your final breast size
after a 527 gram breast reduction.

Breast Reduction is a complicated procedure that is best done by those with the most training and experience. It is very difficult to determine the resultant cup size and shape based solely on the number of grams that are removed from your breast to best match your ideal breast image without an examination by a board certified plastic surgeon. Not just any board certified plastic surgeon, but one with many years of frequently performing breast reduction and lift surgeries, including different approaches, techniques and even fat transfer and implant choices if you are lacking superior breast fullness.This is because several measurements—not to mention breast characteristics such as density—are needed to determine how much and where to remove breast tissue to meet your goals. Without knowing your existing breast shape, dimensions, and the density of your breast tissue, it would be difficult to make this determination. For example, the same volume of breast tissue will weigh different amounts (measured in ounces or grams) in different people depending on its density. The existing base width of your breast and what you will ultimately want to look like will determine, in many cases, the maximal volume and weight that will need to be removed for the best result.Please click on the link below for more information!

As I'm sure you recognize, its impossible to answer this question without a photograph or a physical exam.As stated previously, breast tissue varies somewhat in density- but more important to this analysis is evaluating what volume your current breast occupies. Bra cup sizes are an inaccurate representation of breast volume, since most women do not wear a correctly fitted bra. Also, there is no standardization of bra cup size between bra manufacturers. So, its difficult to speak accurately about post-operative breast size after reduction without a set of chest and breast measurements.In the plastic surgery literature, there have been a few formulas and tables developed that attempt to predict the resection weight that would result in a decrease in one 'cup' size, but the accuracy and reliability of these tables has been called into question.Probably the best predictor of breast size is the experienced opinion of a plastic surgery that does a lot of breast reduction surgery.

Breasts are made up of some percentage fat and some percentage breast gland. As women age, a greater percentage of the breast is replaced by fat. Glandular tissue weighs much more than fat for the same given volume.I would recommend evaluation by a board certified plastic surgeon. Based on the density of your breasts, he or she will be able to tell you how much smaller your breasts would be made by resecting about 500 grams of tissue.Good luck!

Congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast reduction surgery. It is one of the most patient pleasing operations we performed. 

Unfortunately, there is no direct correlation between the amount of tissue removed and the ultimate cup size that a patient will wear after breast reduction surgery.

Before undergoing the breast reduction procedure it is very important to communicate your size goals with your surgeon.  In my practice, the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or “C cup” or "fake looking" means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup  size may also be inaccurate.

Best wishes.