Is there an objective way to measure the weight of breast tissue?

Thank you for the question. Based on what you’re describing, it does sound like your breasts are causing physical symptoms. These are all common reasons why breast reduction surgery may be a good option to relieve your discomfort. But, it's difficult to determine exactly how much tissue would need to be removed without seeing your photos or doing an in-person consultation. However, many insurance companies use the Schnur Sliding Scale as a guideline for how much breast tissue should be removed to help improve your symptoms. This scale correlates your body surface area with the amount of breast tissue that needs to be removed. If insurance denies coverage, you may have the option to appeal, especially if you can further document your symptoms and physical limitations.

Hi,

Thank you for the question.

Based on what you are describing, it does sound that you have large/heavy breasts causing physical symptoms, and breast reduction may be an option for you. However, it is difficult to tell without seeing the photos and/or in person consultation.

Schnur Sliding Scale is a scale used by many insurance companies as a guideline for how much breast tissue should be removed in order to improve your physical symptoms. In addition, most insurances in order to approve the surgery, will require for 1-3 letters of medical necessity (from your chiropractor, primary doctor, OBGYN, Dermatologist, etc) demonstrating that your physical symptoms due to large breasts are not improving with conservative management.

The goal of breast reduction surgery it to make the breasts smaller and lifted, but also proportionate with the rest of your body. It is reasonable to to expect full C/small D cup breast size after the breast reduction surgery.

I suggest that you seek an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon specializing in Breast Reduction surgeries to further discuss your options, specific techniques, concerns and expectations. Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.

I hope this helps.
Best regards, Dr. Karanetz

Dr. Irena Karanetz
Breast Fellowship-Trained
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Queens, New York
(516) 833 0309

If you are having issues getting insurance approval for your reduction you may want to look into treatments which could help your symptoms such as physical therapy. If these do not help it may give you more proof to present to your insurance carrier that a reduction is medically necessary. Another option is to explore reduction and pay out of pocket. This way you have more control over what you want in the end and many surgeons can connect you with financing options.

It’s frustrating to face insurance denial despite meeting many of the requirements for coverage. Your symptoms clearly indicate a need for a breast reduction, and it’s important to advocate for yourself throughout this process. Here are some steps you can take:
Appeal the Denial: Request a formal appeal from your insurance company. Provide additional documentation from your surgeon detailing your symptoms, the impact on your quality of life, and the medical necessity of the procedure. Your surgeon can also include a detailed description of the amount of tissue removal needed and the potential outcome.
Additional Documentation: Obtain supporting documentation from your primary care physician or any other specialists who can corroborate your symptoms and the need for surgery. This may include detailed notes on how your symptoms affect your daily activities and overall health.
Consider a Second Opinion: Consult another plastic surgeon for a second opinion. They may provide a different perspective on the amount of tissue that should be removed and offer additional evidence to support your case for insurance coverage.
Explore Alternative Coverage Options: Check if there are any other insurance plans or financial assistance programs that might cover the procedure. Sometimes, different plans or financial aid programs can offer support for necessary surgeries.
Document Everything: Keep thorough records of all communications with your insurance company, medical providers, and any appeal submissions. Detailed records can help support your case and ensure you have a clear path to follow.
It's important to continue advocating for your health and to gather as much evidence as possible to support your need for the surgery. Your surgeon can be a valuable ally in this process.

Prior to surgery, you can have a scan done which will determine the volume of your breasts. The volume in CC's equal grams. At size 32, even size G, are not that large of breasts. At size 32, each 100 grams remove corresponds to 1 cup size change. Often times, insurance requires a minimum of 500 grams removed which would correspond to 5 cup sizes. You would be better off paying for it yourself. The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This will reduce and reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. The weight of the breast is transferred to the underlying pectoralis major muscle resulting in pain relief without excessive reduction. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.