is it common for a Plastic Surgeon to not to tell you what the reduce size will be?

Question

I am 5'5 214 and I am 38 g and I m scared that he doesn't remove to much . A c or D would be ok can anyone help. hi also have Blueshield insurance . thanks

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Most reductions end up being a C or D cup.  There is a risk of over reduction when undergoing the price dire.  Often, the breast size continues to shrink over the several months after surgery and the surgeon needs to compensate for this.  The best way to get an idea of what you will look like is to see cases that the surgeon has done that are similar to you.

Kyle Song, MD · Answer

Estimating and planning a breast reduction is dependent on a couple factors.  First, this will vary depending on the size, shape, and density of a breast, but more importantly, the amount removed must comply with the insurance companies guidelines.  You can ballpark this number by finding your body surface area (use any online formula -- yours is 2.09), then looking at the minimum tissue weight to be removed that is required by your insurance (your weight to be removed is 750g).  Most insurance companies use the Schnur sliding scale -- just google this and you'll find Blue Cross of Tennessee has a link.  This will give you an idea of what needs to be removed.  Any less, and the insurance company may deny payment.  Typically starting at such a large breast size, an insurance reduction should leave you in the small C cup range.  I would recommend an in person consultation to give you the best idea of your post-operative size and shape.

Michael F. Bohley, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  As others have stated, it is not possible to guarantee a particularcup size after breast reduction.  Also, your post-operative 'fitting' will vary depending upon thetype/style/manufacturer of the bras you choose.  It is essential that your plastic surgeon has an understanding of your goals.  If you remain concerned in this regard, a follow-up consultis always a good idea.  Best of luck.

Arun Rao, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. There are many things to balance when doing a breast reduction, a surgeon has to balance the amount of tissue removed and balance that with blood supply to the nipple. If you try and take too much breast tissue out then there is a risk for nipple necrosis. Also, bra sizes are not universal so it is hard to guarantee what bra size you would be in a Victoria Secret bra versus a bra from Target. The important thing is to communicate to your plastic surgeon you aesthetic goals and they will do their best to get you there.  Good luck.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Bottom line is that it is difficult to predict cup sizes after a reduction.  I generally show patients implants of varying volume and ask them what volume they would like removed.  If it is an insurance case, then I will show them the volume the insurance company wants removed in order for them to consider the surgery therapeutic Dr Corbin

Mary Lee Peters, MD (retired) · Answer

I'm sure it can be very unnerving to have a question like this unanswered. Unfortunately it isn't just common, it's the norm. It is very difficult to predict specifically what size bra you will wear after surgery because there is no industry standard in bra sizing. Insurance companies use a formula called the Schnur Scale to determine a weight of breast tissue to be removed to relieve symptoms caused by overly large breasts. This is based on your height and weight. Weight of breast tissue doesn't translate to bra size. I'm sorry to not be able to give you a more targeted answer. Any surgeon that gives you a precise answer doesn't wear a bra himself. Best of luck.

Brian Windle, MD (retired) · Answer

It is very difficult to give someone a prediction of what bra size they will be after a breast reduction especially since the bra size industry is not standardized.  A breast that is a B in one person's mind may be a C in another person's mind.  I try to show women what they will get in terms of size after a reduction but I will not give a or predict a bra size because of this reason. I hope that helps.  Best regards.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

If your surgeon told you exactly what size you would be after reduction he would be lyhing. No one knows. We try and get a size good for your body and remove enough to improve your symptoms. But you may feel comforted to know it is very hard to get a very large breast smaller than a D or large C and do it safely.

is it common for a Plastic Surgeon to not to tell you what the reduce size will be?

Answers (8)

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