Can I Go from a 34DD to 34C and Still Meet 500gram Insurance Requirement

If you wear a size 34 bra then each 100 cc's is 1 cup size change.  To go down 500 cc's, you will be about a size B.  However, you described that the purpose of the breast reduction is to reduce the stress on your small frame.  You are a candidate for a new procedure that transfers weight to the underlying pectoral major muscle to relieve neck, back and shoulder pain.  From what you have described you will NOT meet insurance requirements and you will end up paying for it yourself.  If that is the situation, you would be better off getting what you want then getting too small of breasts just to meet the insurance criteria.

Best of Luck,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

The amount of weight that needs to be removed per cup varies by chest wall measurements as well as the density of the breast.  Based upon my personal experience, I would expect a 500gm reduction  would be more likely to result in a B cup breast.  When you mention the insurance requirement of 500gm, you should be advised that insurance company rules do vary - for example, for someone your height and weight, Aetna would require an approximately 300gm reduction (please note, this is not meant to endorse any specific insurance carrier, and they each have their own additional requirements).

I recommend that you consult with a board-certfied plastic surgeon experienced in breast reduction.  After performing a physical exam, the surgeon should be able to give you a better idea where you may end up after surgery (keeping in mind that bra sizes are not standardized across manufacturers).

Good luck.

Every insurance plan has their own unique criteria on whether they will
cover a breast reduction. More and more, we are seeing plans where a
breast reduction is not a covered benefit. If it is a covered benefit,
some insurance plans set a minimum required amount of tissue to be
remove in order to met their threshold for coverage. Some set the amount
in relation to your BMI (height and weight). Others require extensive
medical records documenting neck pain, back pain, and history of rashes.
The other alternative is to opt for a breast reduction as a self-pay
option. Start by visiting with a board certified plastic surgeon to
learn more about your options.Best wishes,Dr. BasuHouston, TX

An exam would be necessary to answer your question. Bra sizes vary and a 32C is basically equivalent to a 34B. You should discuss your expectations with a board certified plastic surgeon. I have seen few companies which permit 350 gram reductions at this time and many have additional requirements. If you are truly seeking a reduction because of back pain, then at your height and weight, a slightly larger resection may be in your best interests in terms of alleviating your symptoms.

It would be difficult to say without examining you to see your relative size and how dense/heavy your breasts feel.    Different insurance companies have different requirements and you do not want to be in a situation where the surgeon must take too much just to meet the insurance criteria.  I would get the opinion of a board certified plastic surgeon who does a lot of breast reduction procedures and is familiar with working with your insurance company.  From your height/weight and bra size, It would be likely that 500 grams would make you smaller than you would like.