What Cup Size Will 500 Cc Removal Leave Me At? (photo)

Question

Hi! I'm having a breast reduction soon, and the Doctor wants me to remove 500 cc's. I don't want to be smaller than a D, and I was wondering if that would be too much? I've attached pictures. I'm a size 36DDD/EE right now.

Eric Pugash, MD · Answer

Cup sizes are all over the map - your cup size depends on the make of the bra and the person who fits you. In the case of breast reduction it is not possible to simulate the final size as we can do with sizers for breast augmentation. For breast reduction I try to get an idea of the patient's size goal: does she want to go as small as possible, somewhat smaller but not too small, or just a bit smaller. She then has to take a leap of faith and leave things in the hands of her surgeon. In general after surgery augmentation patients would have liked to go larger, reduction patients smaller. All the best!

George Bitar, MD · Answer

Unfortunately your final cup size after reduction mammoplasty is not 100% predictable. Depending on the measurement system used your current and postop cup size can vary significantly.  As an examply you called yourself a DD/EE.  Your cup size probably varies depending on what bra company's bra you wear and their measuring system.  Surgeons measure cup size as the diameter of the breast at the nipple while lying flat.  This should be measured before, during and after surgery to all be on the same page with regard to how small you want to go.  You should schedule another appointment to discuss size with your surgeon. All the best.

Mark Schwartz, MD · Answer

A 500cc breast reduction is likely to leave you in the full C to D range.  It is difficult to predict because many factors come into play including the brand of bras you would like to wear (e.g., everyone gets upsized at Victoria's Secret) and the quality of your breast tissue.  Although patients understandably focus on cup size, plastic surgeons do their best to listen to their patient requests, and create attractive, symmetric breasts that are proportionate to the rest of the body.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

This is really difficult to do because your insurance company requires a minimum excision in order for them to pay for your surgery.  So your doctor has to take off this amount or the costs could become your responsibility.  I never imply what the cup will result but only guarantee that the breasts will be smaller and lifted.  In my experience, in the standard reduction approach, my patients end up being a D or generous C cup and if aggressive with the resection, a C or large B.  You should be able to ask your surgeon to take the minimum to meet the requirement, do the standard lift, or be aggressive.  Bottom line, you need to meet minimums and if your breasts are 'fluffy', you will have to remove more tissue and if dense, you can remove less tissue to meet the insurance mandates.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Very hard even with those excellent posted photos to give exact response to size. My guess is a D cup.

What Cup Size Will 500 Cc Removal Leave Me At? (photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Predicting cup size after a reduction

Answer: Predicting cup size after a reduction

Answer: What Cup Size Will 500 Cc Removal Leave Me At? (photo).

Answer: What Cup Size Will 500 Cc Removal Leave Me At? (photo).

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What Cup Size Will 500 Cc Removal Leave Me At? (photo)

Answers (8)

Answer: Predicting cup size after a reduction

Answer: Predicting cup size after a reduction

Answer: What Cup Size Will 500 Cc Removal Leave Me At? (photo).

Answer: What Cup Size Will 500 Cc Removal Leave Me At? (photo).

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.