38I to a D at least? (Photos)

Question

I am 25 5'3" and 190 pounds with 38I breasts just heard back that my insurance requires 620 g to be removed. I'm not a small girl and still want to look curvy. My doctor will not tell me what size but mentioned a small C even a large B. I do not want to have the surgery if my breast will be reduced 7 cup sizes. Second options??? My ideal would be a D or DD.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Thank you for you question and photos,          The Bellesoma Method is a current technique to lift and/or reduce breasts without using implants or the ugly vertical scars.  The incisions are hidden around the areola and in the inframammary crease. The vertical incision has been completely eliminated. The areola incision heals almost invisibly due to the fact that there is hardly any tension on the closure. With this particular technique, ducts are preserved along with nerve supply maintaining nipple sensation and the ability to breast feed. Because the breast is reshaped internally and is secured to your chest muscles, upper pole fullness is possible without an implant. Attached is a patient who underwent The Bellesoma Method. Please note that her tissue was used to create upper pole fullness and cleavage without any foreign materials (mesh, implants, etc).  Unfortunately, we do not accept insurance for breast reductions.  Dr. Horndeski does not remove enough breast tissue to meet insurance criteria.  Instead, he utilizes the breast tissue to reshape the breast.  It is a proprietary technique that only surgeons that have been trained by me can perform. I hope this helps. Best wishes and kind regards, Dr. Gary Horndeski

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Your insurance company is requiring removal of at least 620 grams (1.37 lbs).  The cup size measure has inherent variability.  Tissue density will always play a big role in the number of grams removed. Recommend that you consult with your plastic surgeon again to express your concern over reducing your breast more than you desire.Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic SurgeonLos Angeles, CA

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 correlation between the amount of tissue removed and the ultimate cup size that a patient will wear after breast reduction surgery. There is simply too much variability among bra cup manufactures to make it a useful metric when it comes to preoperative communication and/or post operative predictions.
 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 “proportionate” or “D or DD 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.

Leo Lapuerta, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your photos.  When you go in for a consult with the plastic surgeon you will have some measurements taken of the breasts as well as photos taken.  Your height, weight, and BMI will be obtained to be provided to the insurance company along with a letter for review.   Most insurance companies will determine the amount of breast tissue that is required to be removed once they have this information.  Once you meet with the plastic surgeon he/she will be able to discuss the post-operative size that you will be.  Best of luck to you !

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

You appear to be an ideal candidate for a breast reduction and your desire to be reduced down to around "D" cup size is quite reasonable. Without an examination it is difficult to determine approximately how much tissue would need to be removed in order to obtain this relative outcome. It is possible that removing more than what your insurance company requires for coverage will still allow you to obtain the "D" cup size that you want.You should schedule some additional consultations with reputable board certified plastic surgeons and see if the above can be accomplished for you.Good luck!Steven Turkeltaub, MD

38I to a D at least? (Photos)

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Answer: 38I to a D at least?

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38I to a D at least? (Photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Breast Reduction

Answer: Breast Reduction

Answer: 38I to a D at least?

Answer: 38I to a D at least?

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