What breast size to expect after 500g removal? (photos)

Question

I am 5'4" and weigh around 185 lbs. According to the Schnurr formula, I would have to have 500g from each breast removed for insurance consideration. My cup size varies from DD to G, depending on the bra manufacturer. I lift weights and have a fair amount of pec muscle. What can I expect after 500g removal? I am aiming for what I think is a full B or small C cup (see "Goal Size" pic).

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear wolpertinger2012,it is really hard to tell the expected size based only on your photos. Generally speaking, removal of 500g would probably decrease your breasts by 2 to 3 bra sizes. An examination would be required for a more accurate prediction so I would recommend you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery 
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

I think removing 500 cc's from each breast will leave you entirely too small and with an undesirable shape.  It looks to me that a lift with a small reduction of breast tissue is a better choice, but then insurance wouldn't cover it.  Tough position to be in and one that plastic surgeons have to wrestle with from time to time.  One of the worst things to do on a breast reduction is to reduce it too much.

Urmen Desai, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

Likely a small C or big B cup.   I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with.   Finally, make sure your surgeon is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS) and the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS).
Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach Trained, Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Cup size is so inexact for this.  In general, at a G, you should be able to get at least 500 g from each breast and still be a D.  This is greatly dependent on density, which changes with the amount of fat in the breast and the age of the patient. In general, large breast reductions are better left at D cups, because if the breasts are left too small there is not a great solution.  It would be silly to perform a breast reduction and then turn around and perform a breast augmentation because the breasts are now too small.  You have to realize that after breast reduction, your belly, legs, and arms will appear bigger as well.  Finally, the skin envelope and fullness generated from a D is usually more aesthetically pleasing.  Find a plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds of breast lifts and reductions each year.  Then look at the plastic surgeon's website before and after photo galleries to get a sense of who can deliver the results.  Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

Judging by your photos, it really doesn't look like you have a significant amount of breast tissue, but again, it is just a photo and an exam would be more accurate.However, at 500 grams, in general one can expect 2-3 cup size reduction on average.  In some cases it may be more in others less of a change.If you have not yet consulted with a board certified plastic surgeon, I would go on a consultation and go through the process of obtaining insurance authorization to determine if this is something they would deem medically necessary and then take it from there.Hope that helps.

Jane M. Rowley, MD · Answer

500 gms is a little over a pound of tissue on each side.  It is hard to tell without an in person exam, but based on your photos I think that will make you fairly small. I hate to talk in terms of cup size because all bras fit differently (ie. you can wear a DD to G), but I do believe you will be smaller than the result you have posted.  You can always have a smaller reduction, but insurance will not pay because it is a cosmetic procedure. Good luck, Jane

Usha Rajagopal, MD · Answer

A general ballpark of cup size is approximately 150g per cup size, so 500g reduction would be approximately 3 and a half cup sizes. Therefore you would get approximately 3 and a half cup sizes reduction with a 500g reduction. This study was just published in the Plastic Surgery Journal last month, that talked about approximately 100-150g reduction producing cup size decrease.

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

It is impossible to accurately determine what cup size your breasts would be after a 500 gram removal based on just your photos. Instead, you should consult with one or more board certified plastic surgeons who can give you a better idea on expectations and outcome. Going far too small than one desires just to satisfy an insurance company is probably not a very good choice a majority of the time. That could be the situation in your case.Steven Turkeltaub, MD

Timothy A. Janiga, MD, FACS · Answer

By looking at your pictures removing 500 grams of tissue will likely leave you without enough breast tissue to maintain a nice shape.  I assume this is the amount recommended for insurance coverage.  I think you would be better off having a smaller reduction with a breast lift.  I would discuss this with your surgeon.  Take Care, Timothy A. Janiga MD, FACS

Flavia Davit, MD · Answer

You probably will be a full B, but cup sizes can vary from place to place. Victoria's Secret runs very smalls sizes than other stores  like Target.

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