32 y/o female considering a breast reduction - do I have enough tissue to remove 300 grams and achieve a B/C cup? (photos)

Question

5’4” 130 32 e/f . In order for insurance coverage I need a minimum of 300 grams removed from each breast. My ideal size post operation would be 32 c or b/c. Is this target reduction achievable based upon the picture? I am being told locally that there is not enough tissue to remove to make 300 grams unless it is essentially a mastectomy

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. You are a good candidate for breast reduction and will be able to achieve a B/C cup. Discuss your preferences with your surgeon to make sure you are both on the same page

Michal Brichacek, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, bra sizing is very inconsistent. Some women can go to three different stores, and leave with three different sized bras. As a result, many women may be wearing the wrong bra. We see this especially when the breasts are ptotic and drooping. Based on the photograph your breasts appear to be quite ptotic, but they appear to be smaller than a 32F. An in person assessment would be required to best determine how much tissue excess there is to see if a reduction or a lift is a better option. I would suggest getting a second opinion from another plastic surgeon to see which is the best option for you.

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your query. It is difficult to say without a proper examination or even a full set of photographs, but going from a cup size E/F to a B/C , a reduction of 300 grams should be possible. 3-D imaging technique can often help in estimating the amount that can be removed. Please find an experienced Board certified Plastic surgeon who can examine you and help you with all your concerns even if he /she is at some distance.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thanks for your question! This is difficult to answer with a photo because I can't get a true representation of your breast size. I would suggest getting a few different consultations to get the best advice. Good luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear canuck2288,
based on your photos, it looks like you would benefit from breast reduction. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

At size 32, each 100 grams removed corresponds to 1 cup size change. Removing 300 grams, you would go from a F to a C. The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This will reduce and reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. The weight of the breast is transferred to the underlying pectoralis major muscle resulting in pain relief without excessive reduction. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Jeremy S. Nikfarjam, MD · Answer

Hi Canuck,
This is always a difficult question to answer! As you can imagine, breast tissue is not all created equal! Those with "dense" breasts have tissue that is actually heavier than those with fatty tissue. So sometimes it's not possible to visually tell pre-operatively how much your removed tissue will weigh. 
In my practice (in the U.S.), I don't recommend an insurance based breast reduction to anyone unless I believe (based on their report and symptomology) that it truly is medically necessary. I'll, of course, have the recommended grams of tissue to be removed in mind at the time of surgery, but at the end of the day, it's my responsibility as a physician to do what's best for my patient. 
I hope that helps- good luck to you in your search for treatment!
-Dr. Nik

Ramiro Morales, Jr., MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and picture.  Unfortunately, it is nearly impossible to answer your question without an in-person evaluation as to how much tissue you actually have, and how dense the breast tissue is as this will also affect the weight per volume.  If you have seen a Board-Certified PS or two and they have told you that you do not have enough grams of tissue to remove the 300 grams and still keep a B-C size, then most likely that is the case.  In that case you might just need a smaller reduction or just a lift and have to pay for it out of pocket.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Your surgeon who has examined you will be the best one to tell if 300 grams can safely be removed. For your smaller breast, your photo does not show that you have enough breast tissue to take away 300 grams. Insurance does not cover a lift. However, you can still have the surgery if you pay out of pocket.

Maria M. LoTempio, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Your breasts are very long and saggy: this is mostly from excessive skin versus excess breast gland. Ideally a breast lift/mastopexy will put the breasts back to its normal position on the chest wall. A board certified plastic surgeon can explain the difference between a lift and a reduction. Best of luck.

32 y/o female considering a breast reduction - do I have enough tissue to remove 300 grams and achieve a B/C cup? (photos)

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