Breast reduction tissue removal - what is the recommended amount for someone like me?

Question

Hi, So I’m beginning my breast reduction journey and I’ve had only 1 consult so far and the doctor said based off the Scnur scale and so insurance would cover it they would need to take 1000g’s which would leave me with nothing basically. I’m a 24yo, 255 lbs, my question is what is the recommended tissue removal for someone like me? And would losing weight help? And how much should I lose?

Keith M. Blechman, MD · Answer

The amount of tissue removal varies based on individual anatomy, goals, and the doctor's recommendations. Generally, for insurance coverage, many insurers look for a certain amount of tissue removal based on the Schnur scale and your specific situation.

Losing weight can impact your breast size. It’s essential to discuss this with your surgeon. They can provide guidance on a target weight that's healthy for you and what might be reasonable to expect regarding breast size post-surgery.

It's important to consider both your physical health and your desired outcomes. Having a thorough discussion with your surgeon about your goals and concerns will help you make the best decision for your body.

Chet Mays, MD · Answer

Thank you for your inquiry!  Size is a personal preference.  Losing weight will reduce the volume but it can also cause the breast to hang low, depending on how much you want to lose.  We would love to help you with your goals. Schedule a consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you with your journey!

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hi,

Thank you for the question.

Based on what you are describing, it does sound that you have large/heavy breasts causing physical symptoms, and breast reduction may be an option for you.  However, it is difficult to tell without seeing the photos and/or in person consultation. 
 
It is easiest to think of breast reduction as including the breast lift. 
Schnur Sliding Scale is a scale used by many insurance companies as a guideline for how much breast tissue should be removed in order to improve your physical symptoms.  In addition, most insurances in order to approve the surgery, will require for 1-3 letters of medical necessity (from your chiropractor, primary doctor, OBGYN, Dermatologist, etc) demonstrating that your physical symptoms due to large breasts are not improving with conservative management. 
 
The goal of breast reduction surgery it to make the breasts smaller and lifted, but also proportionate with the rest of your body.  It is reasonable to to expect full C/small D cup breast size after the breast reduction surgery.
 
I suggest that you seek an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon specializing in Breast Reduction surgeries to further discuss  your options, specific techniques, concerns and expectations.  Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.

I hope this helps.
Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
 
Dr. Irena Karanetz
Breast Fellowship-Trained
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Queens, New York
(516) 833 0309

Ellen Ozolins, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. During breast reduction surgery, the tissue removed differs based on your body weight, height, breast size, and preferences. Removing 200 grams of breast tissue can decrease your cup size by one size. If 1,000 grams of tissue are removed, your cup size might decrease by about 4 sizes, which could be a high amount and risky, especially given your age. Many insurance companies cover the procedure but have specific criteria, such as the amount of tissue to be removed, which could make your surgeon recommend removing this amount of your breast. However, communicate your concerns and goals with your surgeon openly to achieve your desired cup size and ensure that the surgery meets insurance criteria.

Elizabeth Kiwanuka, MD, PhD · Answer

For breast reduction, the amount of tissue removal recommended can vary based on individual needs, goals, and the specific criteria of your insurance. Generally, the goal is to remove enough tissue to alleviate physical symptoms while achieving a proportionate and aesthetically pleasing result. In your case, if removing 1000 grams would leave you with very little breast tissue, it might be worth discussing alternative approaches with your surgeon.
Here are a few key points to consider:
1. Recommended Tissue Removal: There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer for tissue removal; it depends on factors such as your current breast size, body proportion, and physical symptoms. Surgeons typically aim to balance symptom relief with maintaining a natural breast shape. Discussing your goals and concerns with your surgeon can help determine an appropriate amount of tissue removal.
2. Impact of Weight Loss: Losing weight before surgery can potentially improve outcomes and reduce the amount of tissue that needs to be removed. It may also help with overall body proportion and health. If you’re considering weight loss, it’s beneficial to reach a stable weight before undergoing surgery to ensure that your results reflect your long-term body composition.
3. How Much Weight to Lose: There’s no specific amount of weight you need to lose as it varies for each individual. Aim for a healthy weight range based on your body type and your surgeon’s recommendations. Your surgeon can provide personalized advice on how weight loss might impact your breast reduction procedure.
It's essential to continue consultations with your surgeon to refine your plan and address any concerns about the procedure and insurance coverage. They can provide guidance on the optimal amount of tissue removal for your situation and how weight loss might influence the surgery.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear CharlotteNn,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

That’s a ridiculous amount to require to be removed. 500 gms is more typical. Lise some weight and keep appealing the authorization. Also you should consult with a plastic surgeon

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, you have not told us your height. The height and weight will determine the amount required. Apparently, in your case, they require 1000 grams to be removed, which is quite large. If you are size 36 or 38, each 200 grams removed corresponds to 1 cup size change. If you are size 40 or 42, each 300 grams removed corresponds to 1 cup size change. From this, you can determine what size you will be after 1000 grams removed. At 255 lbs, it is most likely you are overweight or obese, which puts you at high risks for complications. You will need to lose some weight prior to surgery.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Patrick Felice, MD · Answer

It will be difficult to give you an answer without seeing photos.I'm not sure 1,000 gms includes both breasts but the problem in satisfying insurance requirements is that they leave patients with very little breast tissue.The goal to a breast reduction is to leave a size that fits your body type and shape. With that, I don't pre determine how much is to be removed.Weight loss would certainly help and would be beneficial to a good outcome.Hope this helps

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

It is common for an insurance company to require a minimum amount of tissue to be removed in order to approve surgery.  This does not necessarily mean that it is the right amount for you.  If you are considering weight loss you are encouraged to complete that journey prior to surgery as some women also lose breast volume with weight loss.  Your results could be impacted if you lose significant weight after surgery.

Breast reduction tissue removal - what is the recommended amount for someone like me?

Answers (13)

More Breast Reduction Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (13)

More Breast Reduction Questions

Nipples too high after breast reduction and lift? (Photo)

Reduction in May 2023, my nipples have been ruined. Correction options? (photos)

Age 79, is it possible to get a breast reduction if I have a pacemaker?

Possibility of permanent numbness from breast lipo & how long would temporary numbness last?

I had a breast reduction 13 months ago and it's smaller than I wanted. Can this be fixed? (Photo)

Am I a good candidate for a breast reduction?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS