I'm a DDD. How Many Grams Will I Lose to Go Down to a C?

Question

My Insurance company requires me to be 250 grams over the normative average in order for me to be covered for breast reduction surgery. I am 5"7", I weigh about 150 lbs and I wear a 38 DDD. Would I qualify?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Based on your description of body type and breast size, it is very likely that you are an excellent candidate for breast reduction surgery. However, it is not possible to predict whether a specific insurance company will authorize the procedure.  Furthermore, there is no direct correlation between the weight of breast tissue removed and the resulting cup size.  In my practice, I asked patients to communicate their preferred breast size/shape with the help of goal pictures.  I do not recommend that you base your communication and/or satisfaction with the outcome of surgery on achieving a specific cup size.

	 Your best bet is to seek consultation with board-certified plastic surgeons. Ask to see lots of examples of their work. The plastic surgeon you select will be able to submit your information to the insurance company on your behalf.

	 Best wishes.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

Breast Reduction is a complicated procedure that is best done by those with the most training and experience. It is very difficult to determine the resultant cup size and shape based solely on the number of grams that are removed from your breast to best match your ideal breast image without an examination by a board certified plastic surgeon. Not just any board certified plastic surgeon, but one with many years of frequently performing breast reduction and lift surgeries, including different approaches, techniques and even fat transfer and implant choices if you are lacking superior breast fullness.This is because several measurements—not to mention breast characteristics such as density—are needed to determine how much and where to remove breast tissue to meet your goals. Without knowing your existing breast shape, dimensions, and the density of your breast tissue, it would be difficult to make this determination. For example, the same volume of breast tissue will weigh different amounts (measured in ounces or grams) in different people depending on its density. The existing base width of your breast and what you will ultimately want to look like will determine, in many cases, the maximal volume and weight that will need to be removed for the best result.Please click on the link below for more information!

Jimmy S. Firouz, MD, FACS · Answer

Without examining you in person it is difficult to say. You should definitely schedule a consultation to speak with a surgeon so he/she can properly examine you and determine if you will qualify to have your breast reduction covered by insurance.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

Estimating the amount of breast tissue to be removed at the time of a breast reduction is always one that must be made using sound surgical and medical judgement.  Unfortunately the insurance companies have latched upon a weight requirement for approval of a breast reduction.  This weight requirement takes in to no account surgical wound healing problems that could result from an overly reduced breast.   In general you can expect about 200 grams of breast tissue per cup size.  So given your breast size, height and weight you should meet the weight requirement.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Without an exam , it is difficult to say how much tissue can be removed safely for you and so that you have  a nice shape and result.

I'm a DDD. How Many Grams Will I Lose to Go Down to a C?

Answers (8)

Answer: Estimating the weight of breast tissue to be removed in a reduction procedure

Answer: Estimating the weight of breast tissue to be removed in a reduction procedure

Answer: Breast tissue removal and insurance

Answer: Breast tissue removal and insurance

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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

I'm a DDD. How Many Grams Will I Lose to Go Down to a C?

Answers (8)

Answer: Estimating the weight of breast tissue to be removed in a reduction procedure

Answer: Estimating the weight of breast tissue to be removed in a reduction procedure

Answer: Breast tissue removal and insurance

Answer: Breast tissue removal and insurance

Browse related questions

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.