Breast Reduction of 500 Grams from D Cup Breasts?

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 like you have supporting document from your ortho surgeon and PT.  As you can see from the various answers, no one really knows what cup size you will be after removing 500 grams.  You need to speak to your plastic surgeon to get a "general idea" and also make the decision to proceed or not.

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. Although cup size is an estimate, a cup size is about 150-200gm or cc of water. So, a 500gm reduction will give you a B/C cup. This might or might not be proportional to your frame. You will need to discuss this with your board certified plastic surgeon. Best of luck.