What size would a 400 gram breast reduction bring me to if I'm a 32H?

Question

I'm a 20 year old, 5'5", and 135 pounds. I have really large breasts, my physical therapist said I'm a 32J. I am getting a reduction and the insurance company said I have to get 400 grams taken out minimum. I would like to know what approx. size I would likely be? I am concerned they're going to be either really small or not small enough.

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!

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

At 32" in chest diameter, every 100cc approximately equals to 1 cup size. So, if 400cc (grams) are being removed, your cup size would be reduced by 4 cup sizes. I suggest you have your breasts professionally measured so you will have a better idea of end result.Best wishes on your upcoming surgery.Gary Horndeski M.D.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast reduction surgery; this operation tends to be one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform.
There is no direct/reliable correlation between the amount of tissue removed and the ultimate cup size that a patient will wear after breast reduction surgery.

Before undergoing the breast reduction procedure it will be very important to communicate your size goals with your surgeon (who you should choose very carefully). Most patients wish to achieve enough of a reduction to help with their symptoms while remaining proportionate with the remainder of their torso. 
With the goal of improving communication with my patients I find the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) very helpful.  For example, I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or “B or C cup” means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful. Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate. Once you have communicated your goals carefully, your plastic surgeon will be able to provide you with an estimation of how much tissue will need to be removed, in order to achieve your desired outcome.
Best wishes with your breast reduction procedure; hopefully you will be very pleased with the outcome of the procedure performed.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

A 400 gm breast reduction is about 1 lb of tissue.  How small that will make you is very difficult to say.  It depends upon your body habitus. The other problem is that cup size does not always correlate with reduction volume.

Jack Peterson, MD · Answer

Breast reduction for treatment of back pain and other symptoms of macromastia is one of the most satisfying procedures I do for me personally and my patients. The insurances requirements, include how long you have been symptomatic, what treatment you have had as well as requirements for quantity of grams of tissue removal,  and vary from one insurance company to another.  Some insurance companies are now writing exclusions for breast reductions out of their policies. My patient coordinator has been working with insurance companies for 20 years working to get my patients precertified for surgery.  I suggest you consult a board certified plastic surgeon with an extensive experience with breast reduction surgery. Best of luck.

What size would a 400 gram breast reduction bring me to if I'm a 32H?

Answers (6)

Answer: 400 gm breast reduction

Answer: 400 gm breast reduction

Answer: Breast reduction for treatment of backpain and macromastia

Answer: Breast reduction for treatment of backpain and macromastia

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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What size would a 400 gram breast reduction bring me to if I'm a 32H?

Answers (6)

Answer: 400 gm breast reduction

Answer: 400 gm breast reduction

Answer: Breast reduction for treatment of backpain and macromastia

Answer: Breast reduction for treatment of backpain and macromastia

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.