What would my predicted cup size be after having 400 grams removed from each breast (34J)?

Question

I am 5’6, 160 lbs, and I wear a 34J bra. If I have 400 grams removed from each breast, what would my predicted new bra size be? I understand breast density and other factors play a role. Is band size a factor when determining approx how many grams are in a cup size? Sorry, I hope this makes sense! Any feedback would be great!

Emre Guvercin, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Great question &mdash; and yes, it makes perfect sense. Cup-size prediction is one of the most common (and most misunderstood) parts of breast reduction planning.The short answerFrom a 34J, removing ~400 grams per breast usually results in about a 2–3 cup size reduction.- Most patients land around a 34G to 34H, not a C or D.Why grams ≠ cup sizes (exactly)There’s no exact conversion, but surgeons often use this very rough guideline:~150–200 g ≈ 1 cup size (on an average frame)Using that:400 g ÷ 150–200 g ≈ 2–3 cupsSo:34J → ~34H / 34G (approximate)This can vary based on breast density, shape, and distribution, but it’s a realistic expectation.Does band size matter?Yes &mdash; a lot.Cup size is relative to band size:A “cup” on a 34 band contains more volume than the same letter on a 30 bandThat’s why gram estimates must be interpreted in contextThis is also why two people can remove the same grams and end up with very different cup sizes.Why many patients are surprisedMany patients with very large starting sizes (like J cups) expect 300–500 g removals to make them “small.”In reality:400 g is a moderate reduction, not a large oneJ cups often contain 1000–1500+ g per breastTo reach a C–D, removals are usually much higher and must be planned carefully for safety and shapeWhere technique matters (important)Cup size alone shouldn’t be the goal.A Push-Up Breast Reduction / Lift:Repositions remaining tissue upward and inwardPreserves projection and shapeOften makes breasts look smaller than the bra size suggestsImproves posture and comfort more than grams aloneSo even if the label says G/H, the visual and functional result can feel dramatically lighter and more balanced.What to discuss with your surgeonInstead of asking only:“How many grams will you remove?”Also ask:What final proportion are we aiming for?How will remaining tissue be reshaped?Can we plan more removal safely if my goal is smaller than G/H?What size range do patients like me usually end up happiest with?

James N. Romanelli, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Joyful

You ask the eternal question!

What makes it hard to answer is that bras are styled differently, and individuals have preferences in how tight or loose to wear them.

But, roughly measured, a cup size is about 150 grams.  So you might go down 2-3 cup sizes.

And yes,  "band size a factor when determining approx how many grams are in a cup size"

As a practical suggestion, show your surgeon a "wish pic" from a before and after gallery (see below).  It is a great way for patient and surgeon to communicate about expectations and likely results.

Best of Luck,
Dr. Jim Romanelli

Shitel Patel, MD · Answer

While 400g per side would make a noticeable difference, it likely won’t take you to a very small cup size like a C or D. If that’s your goal, you may need a larger volume reduction or to consider discussing a free nipple graft approach (especially if size and shape goals are more extreme).
Your surgeon will use your measurements, goals, and tissue type to guide the best plan. I always recommend focusing more on the look and feel you want, rather than aiming for a specific lettered bra size &mdash; as sizing varies significantly between brands.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Patients often think in terms of cup size. Reductions are measured in weight/gms.

Additionally, it is important to remember that cup size itself is not standardized with variations from one manufacturer to another. Unfortunately, as many women can attest their cup size in an industry leader such as VS is not necessarily transferable to another brand.

The average reduction is approximately 500 gms/side. This will represent a different size change on different patients/breasts.

When planning a medical reduction, the weight is the primary goal with the volume/cup size being secondary. Alternatively, a cosmetic reduction will focus primarily on volume without consideration of weight or density.

With regards to your specific question, 400 gms is fairly conservative given a large J cup size. Unless there is very little volume or glandular density, I would not expect dramatic cup size change post op (i.e. J to C).

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Bianca Knoll, MD · Answer

We found that patients are better guided by proportions, rather than weight and cup sizes. It may help you, finding pictures of patients with a similar body frame and the breast size you are aiming for. This information might be more helpful during your consultation with your plastic surgeon. The actual numbers are then secondary. I hope this helps.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Joyful13,

it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. 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

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

At size 34, each 100 grams removed corresponds to 1 cup size change.  If 400 grams are removed then you will go down 4 cup sizes to a 34 F.

Best Wishes,

Gar Horndeski, M.D.

Rajaie Hazboun, MD, MBA · Answer

Thank you for posting your question here!My answer will be based on the limited information provided for a more detailed and personalized plan I would recommend that you consult with your plastic surgeon in person.It is thought that for every 150- 200 cc added or removed the breast changes a cup size, that being said cup sizes are not standard if you buy a bra from two different manufacturers the cup sizes might be different. That being said a lot goes into how much a surgeon can take out during a breast reduction , such as maintaining an aesthetic shape, maintaining the blood supply to the nipple and skin flaps in additions to other considerations so it is hard to predict the size of the end result especially in terms of cup size.I hope this helps, best of luck!

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

For most women, removing 400 grams of tissue is a little less than one pound of tissue removed, and should decrease you at least 2 cups in size. Bras are not made to a standardized size, so it will vary. You might possibly even drop 3 cups.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

This is a tricky question as bra sizes can vary greatly from one manufacturer to the next.  Having 400g of tissue removed will reduce your breasts multiple cup sizes.  I encourage you to speak with your surgeon who will be able to offer more information after an examination.

What would my predicted cup size be after having 400 grams removed from each breast (34J)?

Answers (10)

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