38I - Is 980g enough for a reduction? What size will I be after the reduction? (Photo)

For someone with a 38I size, removing 980g is a considerable reduction. The general rule of thumb is that for each 150-200 grams of tissue removed, you can expect to drop about one cup size. Therefore, removing 980g could result in a reduction of 4-5 cup sizes, which would likely bring you down to a D-DD cup. However, cup size can vary depending on the brand of the bra and individual body shape, so it's important to consider that each person’s results will be unique. There is no guarantee of cup size after surgery.


Additionally, breast reduction surgeries often involve not only size reduction but also lifting and reshaping the breasts. The procedure will reposition the nipples and tighten the skin, improving the overall breast shape and potentially alleviating pain associated with the weight of large breasts. For many patients, this results in a more youthful, lifted appearance, even if the reduction isn't excessively large. Your surgeon’s technique, as well as your body’s natural proportions, will influence the final look.


While it's difficult to predict the exact size after surgery, many patients report satisfaction with their results, particularly with the reduction in discomfort and the improved shape of their breasts. Review your surgeon's before-and-after photos with patients of similar body types, as this can give you a better idea of what to expect. They will likely be able to share with you the weight that was removed per breast. Your surgeon will help guide you toward the most suitable size and shape that aligns with your aesthetic and health goals.


Dr. Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHS
Harvard, Johns Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Educated
Double Fellowship Trained
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon
New York, New York

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. The amount of breast tissue removed is based on the weight of the specimen roughly calculated by using body surface area. The size of the breasts before and after surgery is based on volume not weight so it is not easy to predict cup size before surgery. Take a look at your surgeon’s before and after photos to see if you can achieve a similar result based on patients with similar breasts.

Just based off your one photo - its hard to say where you will end up in terms of size post removal, but 980grams is about 2lbs - so roughly 1 lb per breast (that is a decent amount, likely will bring you down a few cup sizes). You will have a wise pattern scar and all the associated potential complications associated with the wise pattern mastopexy (make sure you review those with your surgeons). Good luck.

Thanks for your question! That is quite a bit of volume being removed. I'm imaging that is total rather than per breast. Wearing a 38I, I would suspect you will end up in a D-DD cup, but every bra is different so it could be quite different! Best of luck!

At size 38, each 200 grams removed corresponds to 1 cup size change. 1000 gram removal would take you down 2 1/2 cup sizes to a size G. 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.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

You are an excellent candidate for the procedure. You will probably end up in the C to D range. It’s important in breast reduction surgery not to make the breasts too small

Thank you for posting your question here!My answer will be based on the limited information and pictures provided, for a detailed and personalized plan please consult with your surgeon in person.
A lot of planning goes into a breast reduction , the amount that is taken out is dictated by multiple factors including the preservation of the blood supply to the nipple and skin flaps, aesthetic goals (you want to leave an amount behind that would support the new breast mound to have a good shape), and sometimes insurance dictates a minimum amount to be taken out for coverage.That being said it is hard to predict what size you will be after surgery but they will definitely be lifted as the nipple position will be changed and the weight taken out will help the breast be lifted.I hope this helps, best of luck!

An amount of 980 g seems very specific. Why not 1000 g? It is a 0.2% difference? That number likely comes from the minimal amount of tissue that the insurance company has said they will approve.

I would speak to your surgeon about your desired size and not discuss amounts of tissue to be removed--that is really impossible for you to know as not being someone who performs these surgeries so I would focus on shape and talk about the size you would like your breasts to be rather than grams of tissue to be removed.

All that being said 1,000 g of tissue is 2.2 pounds per breast which is a good size reduction. I have certainly taken more than 2500 g of tissue per breast with some larger reductions but 1000 g is still a decent amount of tissue. It is hard to equate in cup sizes, but in general that would be about a 3-4 cup sizes decrease.

From the submitted photo you appear to be a good candidate for a breast reduction. Removing 980g of tissue will make your breasts several cup sizes smaller and less heavy. The surgery also includes a lift so the areola will be downsized, the nipple position raised, and excess skin removed. The result will be a rejuvenated appearance to the breasts. I've included a video I hope you find helpful.

Thank you for your question and sending your picture but it is difficult to provide you with an answer without the benefit of a physical exam. Generally speaking a 490 gram reduction from each breast should decrease your bra size by at least 2 cup sizes. You should discuss your questions with your surgeon before your surgery and ask how he/she has determined that amount.