Breast reduction going from cup size DDD to C. How many grams should my surgeon remove from each breast? (Photo)

Bra cup sizes vary from different brands and how women like their bras to fit. Estimating resection amounts depends on several variables.  Usually 100-150gm gets patients down one cup size, with that estimate going down 3 cups sizes would be approximately 300-450 grams.

Without an exam, it will not be possible to fully evaluate you and give you recommendations.  Breast reduction eligibility and coverage by insurance varies from one insurance carrier to the next, and cannot be determined based on cup size, but only based on an in-person examination to figure out how much tissue the surgeon needs to remove.  You also often have to qualify for multiple other criteria from your insurance carrier, so be sure to request their breast reduction coverage policy ahead of time before your plastic surgery visit to ensure you meet all the other non-size related demands that they have.  Be sure to discuss your goals and concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon and consider the pros and the cons. Be certain your surgeon is properly certified.  I've attached a link where you can start your search.  

Your surgeon will need to remove more than just 100grams.   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), a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).Best,Dr. DesaiBeverly Hills Institute for Aesthetic Plastic SurgeryHarvard Educated, Beverly Hills & Miami Beach TrainedDouble Board-Certified, Double Fellowship-Trained Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Hi and thanks for your question. It’s always difficult to correlate the number of grams removed to a change in cup size.  This is because different women’s breasts have different densities, so 100 grams in one woman may occupy a different volume than 100 grams in another woman.  Furthermore, cup sizes are not standardized, so it can be difficult to judge the difference between any two cup sizes without actually trying a bra on, something that can’t be done during surgery when the patient is asleep.  It’s easier to think about a reduction in terms of percent, for example, to reduce the breast size by about 40-50%.  That being said, 100 grams of tissue is a small amount in general, and would be correlated more with just a breast lift, rather a noticeable reduction, especially for a patient who is larger then a B cup breast.
A visit to a plastic surgeon's office will help you to understand if you're a candidate for the procedure, and what aesthetic outcomes are realistic in your particular case.  In order to get a qualified, ethical, and expert opinion on your surgical options and expectations, always schedule an in-person office consultation with a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
Best of luck,
Keith M. Blechman, MD
New York, NY

Hello,
Thank you for your question. It is very difficult to answer this question based only on the picture and the information given; however, I would say that it is unlikely that removing only 100 g from each breast would change your size from a DDD to a C cup. The cup sizing system is fraught with issues in itself because cup size is not a standardized unit used universially across the clothing industry. The other issue is that for your surgery you will need both breast tissue and skin removed. As both of this tissues need removal the exact weight is almost impossible to predict. You should discuss this issue with your surgeon in detail.
Good luck,
Dr. White