I am a 36DD and would like to go down to a C cup. How much tissue should be removed? (Photo)

Question

I am a 36dd and I would like to go down to a C cup. My breast are saggy, flat at the top and full at the bottom. How much grams do you think it would take to get me to my desired Ccup Size. I know Ccup sizes vary but please give me an estimate range of the grams it doesn't have to be spot on.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

At size 36, each 200 grams removed corresponds to 1 cup size change. 400 gram removal will take you down from a DD to a C. 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.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Casey Anderson, MD, FACS · Answer

In the most general of terms, 125 - 150 grams equates to roughly one cup size of breast tissue. This is of course variable but at least a starting point.

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hi,
Thank you for the question. 
Based on your photos, you appear to be a great candidate for breast reductions surgery. During breast reduction surgery, excess breast tissue is removed, the breast is lifted and nipple/areola is typically made smaller. It is easiest to think of breast reduction as including the breast lift. 
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 2-3 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. 
It is difficult to predict the exact cup size, but I typically tell my patients that the goal should be for the breasts to be smaller and lifted, while proportionate with the rest of the body. 
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

Franziska Huettner, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

Dear Rational549541,

Thank you for submitting your question and photo.  It is difficult to say without an in-person consultation, but from looking at your photos, you may be a good candidate for a breast reduction surgery.  This may reduce the size of the breasts, which may potentially help with neck and back pain, while placing the nipples in a more youthful position on the breast mound.  It may be difficult to predict an exact cup size since different stores/brands measure differently, but depending on what your goals are, you may potentially estimate to lose about half of your current breast size.  I suggest that at this current time, you schedule an in-person or virtual consultation with a board-certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your specific goals and to make a plan that would best suit them.  Much luck and stay safe!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Rational549541,
breast reduction is best suited for women who wish to decrease the size of their breasts. While there are different techniques used to perform this surgery, I prefer the vertical incision (lollipop pattern) breast reduction technique instead of the anchor scar pattern, which reduces more noticeable scarring than usual. I also use a SAFE liposuction technique to reduce additional fat around the stubborn axilla area and bra line. This way, my patients are achieving beautiful results with minimal incisions which reduces downtime and delivers an overall better breast shape long term.If you are considering breast reduction surgery, you should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options and make sure your surgeon understands your goals. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Patrick W. Hsu, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi! The number of grams that your doctor will remove depends on the density of your breast tissue. The same volume of breast tissue can weigh different amounts in different people, depending on its density. Your surgeon will also take into account how proportioned your body will be after breast reduction - this will ultimately determine how much tissue needs to be removed. I recommend that you discuss your goal openly with your plastic surgeon so that together you know how best to achieve it.