Breast Reduction of 500 Grams from D Cup Breasts?

         Patients often speak
in terms of cup size. Unfortunately, cup size is not always helpful because
manufacturers of bras label their products differently and women don’t wear
their bras the same way. For many women their bra size becomes their breast
size even though they may not be directly related. For these reasons,
discussions of cup size can often lead to confusion.

 

         In addition, 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
company to insurance company. In many cases, these weight criteria may be in direct
conflict with the patient’s aesthetic goals.

 

         When these
situations arise, it may be necessary for patients to make compromises between
their desired size and insurance payment. In your case, the removal of 500
grams on each side would most likely result in a B or C cup. Again, this
depends upon each individual patient’s interpretation of cup size. 

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!

The 500 gram rule is a standard that is used by most insurance carriers to grant precertification status on breast reductions.  This is a rough guide. Usually symptomatic large breasts will need at least 500 gms and many times more is taken.  You should have a frank discussion with your Plastic Surgeon over what size you want to be and if that can be accomplished within the confines of insurance reimbursement.

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.

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.