Does removing 450-500 grams from each breast sound correct if I'm 5'7" and 160 pounds? (photo)

Question

I have scheduled a breast reduction but I'm nervous about what my surgeon said. Im 47, 5'7" & 160lbs & wear a 34 G bra.He said my breasts were roughly 1000 grams each and he would remove about 450/500 from each. Does this sound right? I'd just like normal, every day Jennifer Aniston type breasts (nice but unobtrusive). but he said that as Im so big, frame-wise, a C cup wouldnt suit me & Id be better off with a D/DD. he also said he'd use a lolipop cut - I thought this was for small breasts only.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast reduction surgery; this operation is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform.
There is no direct correlation between the amount of tissue removed and the ultimate cup size that a patient will wear after breast reduction surgery.
Before undergoing the breast reduction procedure it will very important to communicate your size goals with your surgeon.   If you feel like you need additional time to  communicate with your plastic surgeon, make sure you schedule this,  preferably prior to the day of surgery.
Most patients, like you, wish to achieve a enough of a reduction to help with their symptoms while remaining proportionate with the remainder of their torso. 
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 “C or D cup” etc. means 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.
Best wishes with your upcoming surgery.

Emily J. Kirby, MD · Answer

It should be possible to get you from a G cup to a full C/small D cup, but there is never a guarantee.  Your plastic surgeon is correct to think safely.  He/she has to make sure that all of your remaining breast tissue, especially the nipple area, has plenty of healthy bloodflow after all of the breast tissue is removed.  For this reason, your surgeon is being careful by not promising that you can have smaller breasts.  Reducing a very large breast to a very small breast can cause problems.  Based on your height and weight, the estimated amount of breast tissue to be removed is roughly 480 grams.  This is calculated using an equation that most insurance companies use (except Aetna).  If you are self-paying for your surgery, you can have any amount removed that you want, if your surgeon feels it is safe.  If insurance is paying for it, you will likely have to meet that amount.  Every state and every company/policy is different.  The lollipop is an excellent choice of reduction techniques.  If your surgeon has recommended this technique, then he/she feels that it is a good option for you.  It is not only for small breasts.  Best of luck to you!

Does removing 450-500 grams from each breast sound correct if I'm 5'7" and 160 pounds? (photo)

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Does removing 450-500 grams from each breast sound correct if I'm 5'7" and 160 pounds? (photo)

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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