I have aetna insurance which has very strict rules of what needs to be removed to be approved. I am currently 5'7 and 185lbs and I I got a consultation and the prior auth was denied due to not removing enough. I needed about 1000 g per breast removed and the dr said that would be my entire breast...it's not adding up to me, according to "a bra that fits" I am a 38J (US) and that size fits, maybe 1 size down...
May 31, 2023
Answer: Bra sizes are not standardized According to the information you provided, your body surface area is 2.03 m2 (depending on which formula is used) and according to the BC/BS Schnur scale that would require your provider to remove a little less than 700 grams of tissue from each breast. That would roughly be about 2-3 cup sizes down. So starting from a J cup you would likely go down to a G cup. Please keep in mind that these are all just estimates. However, if your surgeon estimates that you are starting with only 1000grams, that would leave you with only an A cup or less AND might endanger the blood supply to your nipple. Remember that bra sizes are not standardized, so a "J" cup in one manufacturer may be a "DDD" cup or a "D" cup in another. Additionally, your surgeon may remove MORE than the estimate to give you the size you desire, but if he/she removes significantly less than the estimate, your insurer may not authorize the payment to the surgeon (after the fact) leaving you ultimately responsible. He/She must also leave enough tissue behind to keep your nipple and areola alive (unless you choose to have a free nipple graft) so the removal vs what is left behind is a balancing act when insurance companies are involved. If you have the option to pay out of pocket for your surgery, this may be the best option for you. Ask your surgeon if there are financing options available.
Helpful
May 31, 2023
Answer: Bra sizes are not standardized According to the information you provided, your body surface area is 2.03 m2 (depending on which formula is used) and according to the BC/BS Schnur scale that would require your provider to remove a little less than 700 grams of tissue from each breast. That would roughly be about 2-3 cup sizes down. So starting from a J cup you would likely go down to a G cup. Please keep in mind that these are all just estimates. However, if your surgeon estimates that you are starting with only 1000grams, that would leave you with only an A cup or less AND might endanger the blood supply to your nipple. Remember that bra sizes are not standardized, so a "J" cup in one manufacturer may be a "DDD" cup or a "D" cup in another. Additionally, your surgeon may remove MORE than the estimate to give you the size you desire, but if he/she removes significantly less than the estimate, your insurer may not authorize the payment to the surgeon (after the fact) leaving you ultimately responsible. He/She must also leave enough tissue behind to keep your nipple and areola alive (unless you choose to have a free nipple graft) so the removal vs what is left behind is a balancing act when insurance companies are involved. If you have the option to pay out of pocket for your surgery, this may be the best option for you. Ask your surgeon if there are financing options available.
Helpful
May 8, 2023
Answer: Breast volume vs cup size In theory breast volume and cup size should correlate exactly. However, because of different body shapes and inconsistent cup sizing from bra manufacturers they don’t always match the way we think they should. I have seen countless patients who wear bras with very large cup sizes, but their actual breast size does not reflect what one would expect from that cup size. Your situation is not all that unusual, and if your surgeon is experienced with breast reduction, their estimate of volume is probably fairly accurate.
Helpful
May 8, 2023
Answer: Breast volume vs cup size In theory breast volume and cup size should correlate exactly. However, because of different body shapes and inconsistent cup sizing from bra manufacturers they don’t always match the way we think they should. I have seen countless patients who wear bras with very large cup sizes, but their actual breast size does not reflect what one would expect from that cup size. Your situation is not all that unusual, and if your surgeon is experienced with breast reduction, their estimate of volume is probably fairly accurate.
Helpful
