How does weight and height factor in to breast reduction?

Question

i am 4'10" and 160 lbs with 34 E breasts. I want my breasts reduced to a full B or small C. Being that I am so short and have a small back size what amount of reduction is possible for me. I want to be as small as medically safe.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

In the end the volume of breasts residing on your chest is a decision that you have to make and get across to your surgeon so he can provide that in the operating room. Your height and weight might be a consideration to you based on your sensor proportion but it will really not affect the planning of the operation.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Based on the height and weight that you have supplied I do not see any issues with you proceeding with a breast reduction.  Height and weight may play a factor in how much tissue is required for minimal removal by your insurance company.  Please discuss that possibility with your surgeon and insurance company.  Good luck.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I tell my patients that an exact post-op cup size can't be predicted because there is no standard bra cup sizing system and bra sizes vary from one manufacturer to another. I explain that I can remove about half of their current breast volume. For examples of this, you can see breast reduction before and after photos at the link below.

Tracy Kayan, MD · Answer

Insurance companies use your height and weight to determine the amount of tissue that they require to be removed either from each breast or as a total weight to be removed between the two breasts. There are many different insurance companies, and some are more strict than others, but in general sometimes something called the Schnur score is used. You can call your insurance company regarding their particular rules to see how much they are requiring for you. You would need to see a plastic surgeon to determine approximately how much weight can be taken from each breast safely to bring you down to your desired cup size. When you are going very small the blood flow to the nipple and your incisions may be compromised, so you want to stick with what is safe.

Jack Peterson, MD · Answer

Weight and height factor in a breast reduction mainly as a component of the decision making of insurance companies in approvals.  Many companies use math formulas using your height and weight to calculate a number of grams of breast tissue a surgeon must remove to allow for payment.You can always have a #breastreduction as a cosmetic procedure and not have an insurance company involved.A PS experienced in breast reduction will use their best judgment to create a pleasing aesthetic for your breast that allows for a reduction but maintains body symmetry. Discuss your goals with your PS so that they can help determine if they can meet your desired results.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Realistically, if you have very large breasst, reducing them to be very very  small will likely compromise shape and potentially result in healing problems from the tissues being too thin on completion.  Best to be seen in person.

Karol A. Gutowski, MD, FACS · Answer

There needs to be a balance regarding how much to remove to see a result vs leaving enough for safe healing. Your surgeon can best answer your concerns but don't expect a specific breast size.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

You are a surgical candidate. Height and weight combine in a factor called body mass index (BMI). Insurance companies use this is deny surgery on the basis of obesity with many using 1960s measurements simply to manipulate the data and deny more!some carriers make allowances for petite patients.  Review your insurance guidelines online and see a board certified plastic surgeon.

John Zavell, MD, FACS · Answer

Many insurance companies use height and weight measurements to calculate how much breast tissue your plastic surgeon must remove in order for the procedure to be covered by the insurance.  Sometimes the calculated amount is too much to remove and preserve your breasts.  In those cases, further weight loss will shift the amount needed to be removed toward a manageable number.  Good luck.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast reduction surgery; it is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform.

Yes, it is possible to reduce the breasts size very significantly. The concern with the amount of tissue removed is related to blood flow to the remaining tissue; if too much tissue is removed in one operation the blood flow to the remaining tissue (including nipple/areola) may be compromised. Part of the tissue that is left in place is called the “pedicle"; this segment of tissue is responsible for delivering the blood supply to the nipple/areola tissue. If the pedicle is made too small (in the effort to reduce the breasts as much as possible) then patient will likely have problems with tissue survival.

My best suggestion:  seek consultation with board-certified plastic surgeons who can demonstrate significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you will be pleased with. This careful selection of plastic surgeon will be the most important decision you make.

Before undergoing the breast reduction procedure it will be very important to communicate your size goals with your surgeon. Most patients wish to achieve a enough of a reduction to help with their symptoms while remaining proportionate with the remainder of their torso. I suggest that you do not communicate your goals in terms of achieving a specific cup size. For example, a “full B or small C cup” may mean different things to different people and therefore may be a source of miscommunication. In my practice, I ask patients to communicate their goals with the help of goal photographs.

I hope this, and the attached link/video, helps.  Best wishes.

How does weight and height factor in to breast reduction?

Answers (11)

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