How much reduction is 500 grams for a 36G (photos)

Question

I am 4'11", 115 lbs. generally a size one in pants and wear a 36G Bra. If they remove 500 grams, per insurance requirements, about what cup size will I end up. Also I'm in my mid 40s. Hope pics below help.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast reduction surgery; this operation tends to be one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform.There is no direct correlation between the amount of tissue removed and the ultimate cup size that a patient will wear after breast reduction surgery.Before undergoing the breast reduction procedure it will be very important to communicate your size goals with your surgeon (who you should choose very carefully). Most patients wish to achieve enough of a reduction to help with their symptoms while remaining proportionate with the remainder of their torso. With the goal of improving communication with my patients I find the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) very helpful. For example, I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or “C cup” means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful. Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate. Best wishes with your breast reduction procedure; hopefully you will be very pleased with the outcome of the procedure performed.

John D. Smoot, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question but from your photos 500 grams seems to be too much for your body size and breast size.  I would focus on what will look good on you rather than a cup size.  You want your breasts to look proportionate to your body.  The number of grams requested by insurance is somewhat arbitrary and does not take into account what you look like and is based on your body mass index.  I think you would look better with a reduction but I would be careful not to operate to a number.  You need to have a very frank discussion with your PS about what your final result.

Scott Thellman, MD · Answer

While it is a question that every breast reduction patient asks preoperatively it is a difficult one for a plastic surgeon to answer.  Cup size can vary depending on the style or brand of the bra, how you like to wear your bras, and other factors.  There really is no way for your surgeon to accurately measure your cup size on the operating table during the procedure to know when the size you asked for has been reached.During a breast reduction operation we always remove what seems to be about the right amount, temporarily close the incisions, sit the patient up, look at the result and remove additional tissue if needed to get well shaped, symmetric breasts.  We're doing our best to give you a good shape, a natural appearance, and a breast that looks appropriate to your frame.  When I do this I'm also thinking about the conversations I had with the patient prior to surgery regarding her desires and expectations. Some patients make it clear they want pain relief but still want full breasts.  Others say things along the lines of "You couldn't POSSIBLY make me too small!  I want them REALLY small!".  I try to do my best to meet the patients desires.Having said all that, most patients are happy with the result if they get a well-shaped, natural appearing breast that is proportional to their frame.  For most, that ends up being a C-cup but can't be guaranteed.  Good luck on your operation.  I'm sure you'll really feel a difference in your back and neck and love the way you look!

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

A size 36G on a patient of your size is not that big in grams and 500 grams would probably be the majority of your breast. If your were 5'6" and weighed 190# then 500 gm would be a much smaller percentage of the overall breast. But grams to be removed is only an educated guess before the surgery, no surgeon can guarantee a cup size, and no estimate can be made without an exam.

How much reduction is 500 grams for a 36G (photos)

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Answer: How much reduction is 500 grams for a 36G

Answer: How much reduction is 500 grams for a 36G

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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How much reduction is 500 grams for a 36G (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: How much reduction is 500 grams for a 36G

Answer: How much reduction is 500 grams for a 36G

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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.