Full 36D Minus 350g Per Breast What Would That Leave Me With? (photo)

Question

I am a full 36D cup breast size and am going for a breast reduction. My surgeon has to take off 350g per breast so my insurance will cover it. I have suffered from very persistent neck and upper back pain for years. I am 21 years old I am 5' tall and weigh 135 pounds. What cup size could I expect to be?

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!

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS · Answer

You will still likely have at least a C cup with the removal of 350 grams. This is only an approximation though. Good Luck.

Farhad Rafizadeh, MD · Answer

You are describing symptoms that are related to large breasts. You need a significant breast reduction to help your symptoms. There is also the issue of persistence of cosmetic results to consider. The larger the breast is made after a breast reduction the more the chance of recurrence of ptosis ( sagging ) after the surgery. I think you need a bit more than 350 g removed to get a good result and ideally you would want to end up with a c cup.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Hi,

	Removal of 350grams per breast equals about a cup and a half. This ofcourse is a rough estimation as everyone is different. Please discuss expectations with your PS and make sure that you are both on the same page. Best of luck to you. Dr. H

Eric Pugash, MD · Answer

I agree with my colleague who stated that you would need at least 350g removed from each breast to relieve your symptoms.

	I usually ask my patients for guidance as to how much tissue they would like removed: just a small amount; a moderate amount to relieve symptoms yet leave some fullness; or as much as possible. I don't believe it is possible to be any more precise than that preoperatively.

	If you fell in the 'moderate' category then I would guess that I would end up removing 450 to 500g, if I were doing your surgery.

	As you may know, breast reduction has a very high rate of patient satisfaction.

	All the best!

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Between a small D cup or a very large C cup. You realize that doing this operation just for insurance coverage is not a good idea. There are permanent scars and possible risks that should be fully explained to you.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is difficult to determine exact cup size with breast reduction.  A physical exam can give a better idea and approximation, but it can be difficult to assess from a photo.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

In your case, I would remove closer to 500 grams per breast.  350 grams is a minimal reduction and, if you gain any weight (which is likely at your age), you may require a secondary reduction.  Whenever the concern is neck and back pain, it is better to be smaller rather than larger.  I would consider your breasts to be closer to a DD than a D and do not think that 350 grams will be enough.

Beverly Friedlander, MD · Answer

It is unfortunate that insurance companies dictate coverage on the amount of tissue removed and not on the symptoms which are present. Generally patients are reduced to a C cup after surgery, but there is quite a bit of variation. A 350 gram reduction will most likely achieve a C/D cup on you. You should discuss your goals with your surgeon. Some women want to be as small as possible, others want to remain large and full figured so as to remain well proportioned. good luck.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast reduction surgery;  it is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform.

	Unfortunately, no plastic surgeon is able to predict exactly what cup size you will be after breast reduction surgery. As you know, cup sizes vary depending on who makes the bra; this makes discussing cup size an inaccurate way of communicating your goals. 
	Also, every patient's chest width varies;  if the patient has a wide chest wall it may not be possible to achieve a smaller width  or cup size.

	In my practice I use goal pictures to communicate with patients.  With this technique patients are able to demonstrate what they are trying to achieve and what type of looks they do not like as well.   The patient's goal pictures are hanging on the wall, and allow for direct comparison.  I have found that this system is very helpful in improving the chances of achieving the patient's goals as consistently as possible.  

	I hope this helps.

Full 36D Minus 350g Per Breast What Would That Leave Me With? (photo)

Answers (13)