Grams vs cup sizes

Question

I am 38 years old, weight 148 lbs, height 5 ft. 4 inches and wear bra size 34DDD. My measurements are 33 inches under the breast and 41.5 inches over the breasts. How many grams would be removed from each breast for me to be a small C cup size?

Scott C. Sattler, MD, FACS · Answer

This is an impossible question to answer without a physical exam - for patients seeking a cosmetic breast reduction, we allow our patients to tell us how small they would like their breasts to be. We also discuss shaping, nipple position, bra-roll fat reduction and scar patterns.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

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!

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

In a very general sense removing 250 to 350 g on a breast will result in reduction of one cup size. This is very imprecise and is based on the size of the patient, the density of the breast, and the amount of existing ptosis.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

In my opinion it is extremely difficult if not impossible to equate grams to cup size. The breast are reduced to fit the patient's frame.  It is an artistic interpretation.

Joseph Mele, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. It's a common one around here. It comes up when breasts are being reduced or enlarged. Unfortunately, no matter how the question is phrased, the answer is it depends.It depends on the the starting size. It depends on who is stating the size. It depends on the bra maker. It depends on glandular vs fatty tissue. It depends on the width of your chest. It depends on the location of your nipple. It depends on how long the pedicle is. It depends on so many things that only a broad range of volumes can be guessed, especially without seeing you. The most important factors in a getting good result are a good surgeon and good communication. If you can give your surgeon an accurate idea of what you want, a realistic goal can be set. If you have a good surgeon, your chances of getting there are improved. Telling the how many cc's you want removed may not get you what you are after. This problem is seen with breast implants too. If I have a patient locked into a size, I will have them sign a consent for for that size implant, because they are removing some of the professional decision making that usually gives better results. Not to my eyes, but to my patients'.A strict expectation of cup size can be a trap, because there are varying sizes within cups sizes and overlap between bra makers. I picture may help with volume, but the shape may not be the same. Upper poles tend to remain flat and lower poles tend to fill with time due to gravity. Unfortunately, some insurance companies have "minimum" volumes for removal, depending on starting cup size and BMI. These can be at odds with results that will provide relief from neck and back pain, but still leave a more appropriately balanced chest. The decision on size is the hardest detail of the process to nail down. It is important to spend time thinking about it. What do you want? How do you want close to fit? Are you having neck or back pain? Do you develop a rash under your breasts in the summer? And all this is tempered by what is possible, and that fact that surgery is an art not an exact science. Good luck.

Jeffrey A. Sweat, MD · Answer

The title of your question, grams versus cup sizes poses the exact conundrum for every plastic surgeon and patient.  Bra manufacturer sizes are extremely variable and plastic surgeons and insurance companies deal in grams rather than cup sizes.  I find that frequently women who think they are a DDD or even any size in the D range are smaller than they think they are.  Thus, the only way to answer this question definitively is with an exam in person with a plastic surgeon.  I'm sorry I can't be of more help without seeing you.  Best of luck!

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.best of luck!Dr Schwartz

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

and if you find a surgeon that can do so, see that surgeon and get a contract that you will get the cup you are seeking.  In my practice, patients can help me by telling me to go aggressive (want to be as small as I can make then with one procedure), go average (usually ends up being a generous C cup) or be conservative, removing only the minimums required by the insurance company and staying as large as possible.

Paul J. Leahy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question, but it is very difficult to answer that without an examination. Many insurance carriers will not consider covering breast reduction surgery below 500 grams removed per side. On average, that may equate to 2 cup sizes, but even that is variable depending upon your measurements. I would meet with a local PS for advice. Best wishes

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast reduction surgery;  this operation tends to be one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform.
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 will be very important to communicate your size goals with your surgeon (who you should choose very carefully).  Most patients wish to achieve  enough of a reduction to help with their symptoms while remaining proportionate with the remainder of their torso. With the goal of improving communication with my patients I find the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small)  very helpful. The use of computer imaging may also be very helpful during the communication process.  I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or “C cup”  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 with your breast reduction procedure; hopefully you will be very pleased with the outcome of the procedure performed.

Grams vs cup sizes

Answers (11)

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