Would 720 grams per breast allow me to be a size DD from a 36H? (Photos)

Thank you for your question.  The breast size after reduction is somewhat difficult to predict. I think the best approach for you maybe is to request you surgeon to remove as much breast tissue as is necessary for coverage through your insurance and no more.  This will allow you to have your breasts reshaped, lifted and reduced while still keeping the most volume that you desire. You should discuss this with your surgeon. If you are not satisfied you can find another experienced Board certified Plastic surgeon for a second opinion , who can examine you and help you with all your concerns. All the best!

Hello, thank you for your question. Very large breasts have the natural tendency to sag or hang low, so breast reduction surgery will lift them up and help them look perkier under tight clothing. The gram amount is dependent upon the density of the breast tissue and the volume removed. No direct correlation exists with cup sizes.

Dear Octawoman,
Hello and thank you for sharing your question and photos. It is difficult to tell without an in-person evaluation whether 720 grams per side may leave you with your desired breast size. Typically, a breast reduction may be performed in order to reduce the size and weight of the breasts in order to help alleviate symptoms such as neck/back/shoulder pain, while leaving you with breasts that are proportionate in size to your body. The amount that may be removed to help alleviate symptoms may be determined by your insurance company. Usually, I tell patients that they may lose about half of their breast size and that the nipples may be placed in a better position on the breast, giving a more youthful appearance, but that a cup size may not be promised, as sizes can vary between stores/brands. Your current nipple piercing should be unaffected by the surgery, though there may always be risks carried with surgery with regard to the nipples, such as change in or loss of nipple sensation (this also may include increased sensation), as well as, a small chance of losing the nipple. I suggest that you have a detailed discussion with a board-certified plastic surgeon on your specific goals and how to best achieve them. Best wishes and stay safe!

As a women and a surgeon, I cannot guarantee a specific cup size after surgery. That is because there is no standardization in cup size and each bra company is different. It is similar to underpants and size. They all fit differently. We do try to show patients a sample volume of how much we can remove from each breast in order to meet insurance requirements and if I can safely remove that amount. We can sometimes even do Crisalix (a 3-imaging system) to estimate the amount. This is not perfect but it does let the patient visualize what they may look like after surgery. It is best to go to a board certified plastic surgeon with significant breast experience. 

At size 36 H, each 200 grams removed corresponds to 1 cup size change.  720 grams removed would take you down 3 cup sizes to size E.  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.  This technique is not covered through insurance.  The cost is approximately $12,000.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.  

I agree you are a good candidate for breast reduction. There is some flexibility with the size to make the breasts but hard to predict exactly what size you will be after surgery. In my hands I leave the breasts pretty full to compensate for the fact that the breasts will reduce in size as swelling goes down.

Dear Octawoman,
breast reduction is best suited for women who wish to decrease the size of their breasts. While there are different techniques used to perform this surgery, I prefer the vertical incision (lollipop pattern) breast reduction technique instead of the anchor scar pattern, which reduces more noticeable scarring than usual. I also use a SAFE liposuction technique to reduce additional fat around the stubborn axilla area and bra line. This way, my patients are achieving beautiful results with minimal incisions which reduces downtime and delivers an overall better breast shape long term.If you are considering breast reduction surgery, you should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options and make sure your surgeon understands your goals. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Cup sizes vary widely among manufacturers, so that can be very difficult to pin down.  There is a maximum safe amount that can be resected without jeopardizing the blood supply to the nipple, so one must be careful about trying to go too small.  750 grams seems like a reasonable goal for you based on your photos, and maybe even a little more.  The nipple piercing should not be an issue.

Cup sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer so it is difficult to predict cup size after surgery though you do appear to have a lot of breast even with 750 grams removed.   if your piercing have been in a long time removing them for a sort time should have no affectDr Corbin