Does dense breast tissue weigh more than the usual one?

Question

Considering breast reduction. 5'2" 180lb 36G (it possible 34K/L as per measurements, 33" around ribcage and 44" at the fullest part). I am approved for a 730g per breast reduction by the insurance. As per mammograms I have dense breasts. My doc has told me that he can't estimate how much would be taken off during final surgery. Insurance had initially rejected my request for 600g per side reduction. Just worried if the required weight would be taken off to satisfy the insurance requirement.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

At size 36 G, each 200 grams of removal corresponds to 1 cup size change.  Removing 730 grams would take you down 3 ½ cup sizes.  This may or may not be proportionate to your body.  If you pay for the surgery yourself then you can choose the size you desire.  The technique I recommend for breast reduction 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.  By definition increased density will weigh more.  Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! I suggest you seek a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your desired results.  Best of luck!Dr Dhaval Patel 
Plastic Surgeon 
Double Board Certified 
Chicago
Hoffman Estates 
Oakbrook 
Orland Park

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

730 grams is an awful lot to get removed in a breast reduction. Without photos impossible to be able to give you better information. You can limit your financial exposure by having the procedure performed in a surgeon’s operating room. Unfortunately this is one of the problems with insurance coverage. You never know what the insurance company will do.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear palsrane,
your plastic surgeon submitted your measures so he will probably be able to remove the asked weight. Breast reduction is best suited for women who wish to decrease the size of their breasts. While there are different techniques used to perform this surgery, I prefer the vertical incision (lollipop pattern) breast reduction technique instead of the anchor scar pattern, which reduces more noticeable scarring than usual. I also use a SAFE liposuction technique to reduce additional fat around the stubborn axilla area and bra line. This way, my patients are achieving beautiful results with minimal incisions which reduces downtime and delivers an overall better breast shape long term.If you are considering breast reduction surgery, you should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options and make sure your surgeon understands your goals. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for your question. 
The approved weight for removal is based on your breast measurements submitted by your doctor. It is more that he will be able remove this amount but it is difficult to guarantee that. 
Consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who has expertise in this procedure and can go over your options in detail.

I hope this helps. Best of luck!

Daniel Zeichner, MD · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!Breast reduction is both cosmetic
and functional, as the procedure often alleviates neck pain, shoulder pain,
back pain, bra strap grooving, and chronic rashes beneath the breasts
due to their added weight. The reduction procedure is most
often performed to regain proper body proportion.Insurance companies vary significantly in their requirements for insurance coverage for breast reduction. Some will require a surgical specimen to be of a certain weight, most will accept chronic confirmed symptoms, some require a course of preoperative physical therapy. Dense breasts on mammogram indicates the presence of a greater accumulation of glandular tissue as opposed to less dense breasts with greater accumulation of fatty tissue. Dense breasts weigh more than fatty breasts, but one cannot guestimate to what extent in a specific individual. A rough guess: Volumetric analysis is a method to determine your present breast size as bra cup sizes provide little information as they vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. If your breast completely fills a 1000 cc pyrex measuring cup, you have 1000 cc breasts!  1000 cc - 730 cc  270 cc, a rather small breast size following surgery. If you more than fill the cup, your volume may be sufficient.  As a "36 G", you most likely will fill the cup with leftover volume.Best wishes...

Larry Lickstein, MD · Answer

Breast tissue is a mixture of glandular tissue and adipose tissue.  The more glandular tissue, the more dense.  The more adipose tissue, the less dense.  As a result, women near reproductive ages tend to have denser breast tissue, and with that, a heavier breast.  Most experienced plastic surgeons can provide an estimate of the weight of the gland that they think will be removed by reduction.  But I would emphasized that rather than just discussing the weight of the gland that your insurance company requires, that you should discuss the goals that you have for your reduction in terms of size, shape, and symptom relief.  Most of us have seen patients who have had reductions performed to meet insurance requirements, but then are exceedingly unhappy either with the shape that was achieved or the severe reduction in size.  It's far more preferable to have the appropriate operation that meets your goals.

Does dense breast tissue weigh more than the usual one?

Answers (7)

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