According to the Schur scale my 1.73 figure would mean about 400g removed from each breast to qualify for insurance coverage. If my breasts are a 32H(us) what rough size would that take me to? Thank you!
Thanks for the question. That is a difficult one to answer without an in person exam. A 32H bra size can be quite variable and not entirely accurate. During an in person consultation, I would exam you and estimate how much weight can be removed from the breast safely and give you an approximate idea on final cup size. Just remember that cup sizes are variable and can be quite different based on the bra manufacturer.
Without performing an in person exam, it is difficult to tell you how much tissue I would estimate that would be needed to be removed for your breast reduction. I will say that breast volume reduction’s do not correlate well with bra measurements.
Dear SDHagen,
Hello and thank you for your excellent question. It is not possible to give you an answer to this question without, at the very least, an in-person exam. You can use a general rule of thumb that 150g = 1 cup size, which would mean that you will lose approximately 3 cup sizes. However, this rule of thumb is VERY general, and by no means applies to all patients. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!
The good news is that your health insurance would be likely to authorize your surgery. Usually, any woman with a DD or greater and symptoms related to her large breasts can qualify for insurance-based surgery. The Schnur scale is used by a lot of insurance companies, even though Dr. Schnur himself thinks its not particularly valuable. As Dr. Van Halen mentioned, patients who wear a 32 bra usually measure about 150-175 grams a cup size. So it sounds like you have plenty of room to decide what size you'd ultimately like to be. A lot depends on keeping you proportional, as well as your age, whether or not you've have children whether you're planning more children, etc. Please consult with an ASPS-member surgeon to get the best advice, as well as the most qualified surgeon, to perform your procedure.
Breast Reduction is a very individual operation. In order for insurance to cover the surgery you will need the following:
1) Enlarged Breast that are symptomatic
2) Symptoms have persisted for a period of time and interfere with activities of daily living, difficulties at work, or with sports
3) Examination by Ortho or Chiropracter
4) x Ray evaluation of neck or back to r/o other abnormalities.
5) Must be able to remove a required amount - usually related to Schnur Scale
One needs a physical exam to determine how removing that amount of tissue would effect your final breast shape and size.
Seek a competent Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to help give you their best recommendations for you to consider.