Breasts Too Long for Lift Without a Reduction?

Question

Hello, my insurance recently approved a breast reduction for my 34G breasts. However, when I asked about a lift only, my surgeon said it was not possible due to the length of my breasts (grade 3 ptosis, R&L SN-N 33 cm, R&L base 15 cm). Insurance approved 600 grams, but I worry that may be too much. Is it not possible to do a lift only/small reduction on breasts my size/length?

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello @bdubs2, thank you for your question. When making the surgical plan all aspects are taken into account, including future aspects. Through a proper surgical technique you can obtain an anatomical and aesthetic shape that allows you to have volume and aesthetic symmetry. For more information and recommendations it is best to consult with one or several board certified plastic surgeons. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. Based on your measurements, it is possible to do a lift with a smaller reduction but photos and an evaluation are needed to confirm this. I hope this helps.

Tommaso Addona, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
With a breast reduction, the insurance determines a mass that must be removed in order to qualify for coverage. This mass is determined by your body surface area. Without removing the 600 grams, the procedure is likely to be cosmetic for what you are describing. I recommend speaking with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It you are expecting insurance to cover expences of your surgery, you will have to accept minimum breast reduction of 600 gr. per breast. For G size breasts, that does not seem to be too much. Have in mind that any lift done on large breasts like yours is not going to be of long duration and your breast tissue will descend due to gravity. This is an issue that you have to discuss in detail with a board certified plastic surgeon ahead of surgery. Good luck.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. 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.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear bdubs2,
my preferred lift is a lollipop lift when a periareolar won't do (ie greater than 2cm lift required). The lollipop technique was created by a Canadian plastic surgeon named Elizabeth Hall-Findley and treats the breast as a three dimensional structure instead of two dimensions (anchor - lift). Most importantly it does not require the horizontal component scars that the anchor-lift requires and breasts appear much more natural, lifted, and less boxy. Lastly, the lift lasts longer because the lollipop doesn't rely on the skin to hold the breast up, its actually breast tissue thats being brought together to support the breast and hence improves longevity. 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, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS · Answer

What you are asking for is probably possible, but hard to tell without examination or at least photos. Also a lift with small reduction will be a cosmetic procedure not covered by insurance. You might need to have more in person consults before a final decision. Good luck.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It may be possible to have a lift without a reduction, but the results may not be optimal due to the weight of the breast tissue.  If you are not wanting to remove 600 grams you may want to consider a reduction but with less tissue.  Be aware that this may not be covered by insurance.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

If you want insurance to cover this procedure, you will need a reduction. Each company requires that a certain amount of tissue be removed from each breast according to your weight. If you just want a lift, your breasts will sag again from the heavy weight of your tissue. Get the reduction and enjoy your new look. Your neck and shoulder will thank you.

Jeffrey C. Hamm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
Bra size is an extremely inaccurate measurement of breast size as there is no standardization in the manufacturing industry. One brand's "C" is another's "D". Without photos, one cannot truly assess breast size and the amount of sag. Without height and weight information or photos, we cannot assess your candidacy.
In general, breast reduction is both cosmetic and functional, as the procedure often alleviates neck pain, shoulder pain, back pain, bra strap grooving, and chronic rashes beneath the breasts due to their added weight. In moderate reductions, the nipple areola is maintained in a "stalk" (pedicle) of breast tissue to provide blood flow.  If the pedicle is too long (as in gigantomastia), the nipple areola will not survive due to vascular insufficiency. In this situation, the nipple areola complexes are removed and replaced as full thickness skin grafts. 
The following measurements of cup size and weight are for rough estimation ONLY and are based upon volumetric studies:
A cup…235 g
B cup…450 g
C cup…530 g
D cup…760 g
E cup…1005 g
F cup…1180 g
Unfortunately, I don't have information for a "G" cup.
As a "G" cup, you should still have adequate volume if 600 grams of tissue is removed (depending upon your body habitus / size).
Best wishes...

Breasts Too Long for Lift Without a Reduction?

Answers (11)

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