Currently 5'5 and 175 pounds measuring at a 36I. Would removal of 441 grams be enough?

Question

Hello - I am currently 5'5 and 175 pounds measuring at a 36I. I would like to lose at least 15 more pounds prior to surgery bringing me to 160 pounds. According to the Schnur scale, for my insurance to cover the procedure I would need at least 441 grams removed. My breasts are very heavy and pendulous, and I would want them to be around a D or C cup. Would removal of 441 grams be enough to get me to that size?

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hi,
Thank you for the question. 
Based on what you are describing, it does sound that you have large/heavy breasts causing physical symptoms, and breast reduction may be an option for you. However, it is difficult to tell without seeing the photos and/or in person consultation. 
During breast reduction surgery, excess breast tissue is removed, the breast is lifted and nipple/areola is typically made smaller. It is easiest to think of breast reduction as including the breast lift. 
Schnur Sliding Scale is a scale used by many insurance companies as a guideline for how much breast tissue should be removed in order to improve your physical symptoms. Removing over 400 grams of breast tissue should help decrease your breast size significantly, however, it is difficulty to predict cup size without seeing photos.
I suggest that you seek an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon specializing in Breast Reduction surgeries to further discuss your options, specific techniques, concerns and expectations. Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results. 
I hope this helps.Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Christopher Pannucci, MD, MS · Answer

Hi bdubs2,
It's hard to use measurements and cup sizes alone to determine removal weight. A photo, or even better a clinical exam (which lets the surgeon determine density of the breast), are the best ways to estimate the weight to be removed.
I would suggest reaching your stable weight, then visiting with a qualified plastic surgeon. Full disclosure: for many insurances, they require additional documentation of symptom duration, including PCP notes, PT notes, and/or chiropractor notes, in addition to the surgeon's estimate of weight to be removed.
Best of luck.
Hope this helps,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

At size 36, each 200 grams removed corresponds to 1 cup size change.  441 gram removal would take you down to size G.  I do not recommend patients consider a certain breast size pre-operatively.  The breasts should be proportionable to your body.  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 by insurance.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It's difficult to determine the size your breasts would be after removal of 441g without photos or an exam.  Based on the information provided it seems you would be a candidate for the procedure though.  I encourage you to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you for a consultation.

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. Without photos or an in person evaluation, it is difficult to say whether a 441 gram reduction will get you to a particular size.

Currently 5'5 and 175 pounds measuring at a 36I. Would removal of 441 grams be enough?

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Currently 5'5 and 175 pounds measuring at a 36I. Would removal of 441 grams be enough?

Answers (8)

Answer: Considering breast reduction

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