Question:
how much do you lose?

Hi! My insurance company approved a breast reduction for me. I am currently a 40D.I am 140 pounds and am 5 foot 6. I wanted to be a C. Is that where I would end up or do I have to go lower?    — nicole79 (posted on May 8, 2004)

May 8, 2004
I am around your size, at 5'7" and 135 pounds. I started at 40D and am now a 36D due to excess skin which is deflated. I can't tell you how you will end up, but actually wouldn't mind if my D were full. When I have my bra off I see my ribs through my skin. Who ever thought that would be me. Good luck!!!
   — Fixnmyself

May 8, 2004
I have heard of insurances requiring a certain amount to be removed to qualify as a reduction. I think it's 500 CCs, but I could be wrong on the amount. But whatever it is, I believe it would result in losing more than one cup size usually. I know of a few post op WL patients that were denied a reduction and lift because they didn't have enough flesh and tissue left to remove. I hope that's not the case for you. All you can do is go to the plastic surgeon and have them write you a letter of medical necessity and see if you get approved or not. Good luck. S
   — sherry hedgecock

May 9, 2004
I am 5'4" and had my reduction when I weighed about 140 lbs. My insurance required a certain percentage to be removed. I don't remember what that percentage was...but I do remember that the amout removed totalled 6lbs. 3 from each side. That's my story!!!
   — Jenn R.

May 9, 2004
Hi...I'm 5'4" also, and weighed 153 at the time of my reduction. I was a 36G and was reduced to a 36C. My insurance (Aetna) requires that 500 grams be removed from each breast before they will cover the reduction. I had 640g removed from the left, and 890g from the right. This came out to be about 3.7lbs total removed. It all depends on the density of your breast as to how much you'll lose. My breasts weren't dense, but they were long and flat, so it was more skin remaining fatty tissue that was removed. Good luck...! Denise 316/158
   — lily1968