Could I have more than 600g removed from each breast? I'm an F cup and would like a B cup

Question

I am a 38 F. My desire is a B cup. I know my body best. Insurance requires 600-700 grams removed from each breast. Surgeon will comfortably remove 400 grams and no more. Could 600 grams be achieved per breast? How many grams are there going from an F to a B? My beliefs are that this is realistic. Please advise. Thank you.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

At size 38 F each 200 grams removed corresponds to 1
cup size change.600 gram removal would take
you down 3 cup sizes to approximately size C.You can have more removed but the disadvantage of a B size breast is
that it will not hide the incisions.Many
women are under the misconception that the only way to relieve neck, back and
shoulder pain is by excessive reduction.For that reason, a new technique was developed called The Horndeski
Method&trade;.The breast tissue is reshaped
creating upper pole fullness, elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial
to increase your cleavage.The weight of
the breast is transferred to the underlying muscle resulting in immediate pain
relief.This technique avoids the ugly
vertical scars of the traditional technique, maintains nipple sensation and the
ability to breast feed.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

James D. Frost, MD · Answer

I have sympathy for you and your surgeon.  It is very difficult to tell you an exact number of grams that can be safely removed at surgery.  We can pretty well assure that you will have significant improvement in symptoms that you have from the weight of your breasts. An exact amount to remove is more difficult.Insurance companies that require a specific amount are using this as a means to avoid paying for surgery.  Different insurers follow different guidelines.  Your surgeon is most likely to know what the insurers in your area require.  Your surgeon is also most likely to know how much can be safely removed.Without photos and your height and weight, we can't really give you any estimate of an amount.  Keep in mind that a F cup on someone who weighs 98 lbs. is very different in weight than a F cup in a womed who weight 200 lbs.Please try to not take this out on your surgeon.  Insurance companies are getting more and more difficult to work with on this topic.  Good luck.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

The problem with breast reduction is that insurance companies "require" a certain amount that needs to be removed. However, the issue with this is that the more tissue thats removed, the more chance you have of complication such as nipple necrosis and loss of sensation.I would go by what you PS advised.Sometimes its better to pay for the procedure than to deal with the long-term consequences of a complication.The best way to assess and give true advice would an in-person exam.Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative breast surgery.best of luck!Dr Schwartz

Josef Hadeed, MD, FACS · Answer

I generally do not discuss cup size with patients, as cup
size means different things to every person.  Rather, one of the goals of
surgery should be to remove as much breast tissue as possible to relieve your
symptoms while at the same time maintaining a size of your breasts that is
still proportionate to your body frame.  A consultation with a board
certified plastic surgeon can help you to understand what your options are.
 Best wishes.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast reduction surgery; it is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform.  Given the variability of bra sizes from one manufacturer to another, plastic surgeons cannot accurately/reliably predict exactly what cup size patients will end up using after removing a certain amount of breast tissue. Critical to your satisfaction will be careful communication of your goals prior to proceeding.

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. I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or “B cup” may mean 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.  I hope this, and the attached link, helps.
Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Without seeing you in person, it is difficult to tell you whether or not you can have that volume removed.  Best of luck.

John D. Smoot, MD · Answer

Thank your question and it seems you are a candidate for a reduction.  600 grams could be removed but you may not like the result because it may not result in good proportions.  I would discuss your desires with your surgeon possibly appeal the insurance decision.  Most surgeons don't like to focus on a number but  how surgery will alleviate your symptoms and leave you with a good looking result.

Thomas Guillot, MD (retired) · Answer

A set of photos or even better a physical exam in person will help determine what you need. some insurance companies require a 600-700 gm reduction to pay for the surgery. If too much is removed then the complication rate goes up. Please listen to your plastic surgeon for his advice.

Could I have more than 600g removed from each breast? I'm an F cup and would like a B cup

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