What size will I be if I get 500 grams out of each breast?

Question

I am planning on having a breast reduction surgery in the UK on the NHS. I am a 32H and will require to have 500grams out of each breast. I have been told by my surgeon I will be basically flat but after research I have seen I will be around a D cup. I think they may be trying to convince me not to have one. Can anyone let me know if they have had similar experiences.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

At size 32, each 100 grams removed corresponds to 1 cup size change.  You would end up a 32 C.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

A breast reduction is often a balance between the patient goals and the limits of anatomy. Your surgeon will know what is necessary with regards to weight resection. Anatomic limits are non-negotiable as a certain amount of tissue must be preserved in order to maintain vascular supply to the nipple areolar complex. This amount tends to rise with the distance the nipple must travel from where it is to its planned destination. Technically speaking, the larger breast (and greater the ptosis) the more tissue that will need to be preserved in order to maintain vascular supply to the nipple areolar complex. Ultimately, you do play a role in the decision making process. The anatomic restrictions are, on the other hand, more rigid.

With regards to your specific question, it is difficult to predict the size of safe reduction. However, as stated above, there will be limits based on anatomy. A 500 gm reduction is reasonable and used to represent the minimum standard. From a very large started cup size, a 500 gm reduction will likely leave you larger than a D cup. However, without photos or exam this is difficult to say with any certainty.

It is also important to remember that we deal in weight and volume (which are standardized) whereas "cup size" goals can be extremely variable (depending upon the manufacturer). There is no correlation between cup and grams resected. Much like in augmentation, focus not on the cup but on the look and resolution of symptoms.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Jose Perez-Gurri, MD, FACS · Answer

There is no straight answer in your case. Without your photos it makes it even tougher. The removal of 500 grams in a patient who is very large breasted could make just small difference as opposed to the patient who is not large. I never guarantee bra size as they will often vary with the bra manufacturer......just walk into Victoria Secret if you know what I mean. Good luck, Dr. PG

Guler Gamze Eren, MD · Answer

Hi from Istanbul!Thank you for your question.Removing nearly 500grams of tissue may create a A cup in a tiny person and it can be a D cup if you have a wide chest and gigantomasti like DD or bigger. So it depends on your existing breast volume and cup size to tell you what your size will be.Best Luck!

Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHS · Answer

After a breast reduction where 500 grams are removed from each breast, the cup size will vary depending on several factors, such as your breast tissue composition, skin elasticity, and chest and breast shape and width. According to some data, about 100 grams of tissue removed corresponds to a one-cup size reduction, so with 500 grams removed from each breast, you might expect to go down around five cup sizes. For example, starting from a 32H, you could end up at a 32C or 32D. However, it's important to note that cup size is not a scientific measurement—it is a relative measurement that varies depending on the brand and style of the bra. Bra sizing is not standardized across all manufacturers, so a 32D from one brand may fit differently than a 32D from another. 
Rather than focusing solely on cup size, it’s helpful to discuss with your surgeon the specific look and feel you're hoping to achieve, ensuring your expectations align with the surgical outcome.

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

ABOUT DR. VYAS
Dr. Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHS, is a plastic surgeon specializing in aesthetic surgery and breast surgery, including breast augmentation, reduction, lifts, and gender-affirming surgery (such as chest masculinization and feminization). With advanced training from Harvard, Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins, and the Aesthetic Society, Dr. Vyas is recognized for his expertise in breast, nipple, and chest sensory nerve preservation and restoration. His PhD in clinical and translational science focused on improving outcomes in aesthetic surgery and breast surgery, fat grafting, stem cells, immunology, and regenerative therapies. Dr. Vyas has served on the editorial board for several medical journals and platforms and has over 200 research papers and talks. Recognized for his expertise, Dr. Vyas was appointed an Instructor of Surgery at Mayo Clinic where he also served as President of the Mayo Resident and Fellows Association and on the Mayo Clinic Alumni Association Board of Directors. Dr. Vyas also held junior staff attending privileges as Assistant in Surgery at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. As a passionate mentor, Dr. Vyas has guided hundreds of aspiring students, physicians, surgeons, and researchers, shaping the next generation of healthcare leaders. His contributions to the field have earned him several awards and recognitions, including the Presidential Scholarship and honorary title of Kentucky Colonel in his home state.

James Knoetgen, III, MD · Answer

The size you will be after having 500 grams removed from each breast depends on a few factors, including your current breast size, the density of your breast tissue, your body frame, and your overall anatomy.
However, cup size reductions aren't exact, as bra sizing varies across brands, and your final size will also depend on how much natural breast tissue remains after surgery. For a precise estimate tailored to your body, it's best to discuss your goals with your surgeon during a consultation. They can give you a better idea based on your unique anatomy and desired outcome.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Removing 500 cc's should drop you down two cups in size. If you are a true "H", then you should go down to E-F cup in size. However, with a 32-inch band, you might lose a little more and be D-E.  Insurance does require a certain amount to be removed for the procedure to be covered. If you can sometimes wear 34 G, then you should go down to a D-E cup. You should not be flat but be a nice size. Photos would have been very helpful here.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thanks for your question! This is a diffcult question to answer. Your breast size is often decided by your breast width so even with a 500 gram reduction, it's hard to give an exact answer. I wouldn't worry about the cup size. I'd focus on the look you are going for and make sure you articulate that to your surgeon. Good luck!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It's difficult to give you an answer without an exam or photos as bra sizing can vary by manufacturer.  Removal of 500g of tissue would take you down multiple bra sizes, likely three to five.  I encourage you to visit with a few board certified plastic surgeons for consultations if you are unsure with the surgeon you've already seen.

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