Schnur Sliding Scale
Dr. Scott E. Newman is a board-certified breast surgery specialist who helps women in Westchester, Long Island, and New York City who struggle with the challenges of overly large breasts. While many women desire fuller curves, disproportionately large breasts can lead to chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain, skin irritation, and limitations in physical activity. The emotional toll can be just as significant, often affecting self-confidence, clothing options, and overall quality of life.
To support patients who may benefit from breast reduction surgery, Dr. Newman uses the Schnur Sliding Scale, a medical measurement that is also commonly used by insurance companies. The Schnur scale serves as a guideline to determine the minimum weight of breast tissue that needs to be removed before insurance companies might consider covering the procedure. This scale not only helps demonstrate eligibility for insurance coverage but also serves as a valuable tool in tailoring a safe, effective treatment plan for each patient’s individual needs.
What is the Schnur Scale?
The Schnur Sliding Scale chart is an evaluation tool that plastic surgeons use to determine the minimum amount of breast tissue that must be removed for a breast reduction to be considered medically necessary. It is based on weight/height calculations and not the patient’s aesthetic goals. This is important for patients who may be looking to have their breast reduction covered by insurance.
This chart takes into account both the patient’s body surface area (BSA) and the average weight of breast tissue removed.
- For the procedure to be considered medically necessary by some insurance companies, the amount of breast tissue being removed typically requires the minimum amount specified in the chart.
Use the calculator below to apply the Schnur scale to your situation.
Schnur Sliding Scale Calculator
Enter your height and weight to calculate your Body Surface Area (BSA) and see the average grams of tissue required for insurance consideration.
Dr. Newman utilizes the Schnur Sliding Scale ahead of any breast reduction procedure to know the proper amount of tissue that needs to be removed from each breast to be considered medically necessary.
To hear Dr. Newman talk more about this, watch his video on Instagram.
| Body Surface Area | Avg. Breast Tissue Removed (grams) |
| 1.35 | 199 |
| 1.4 | 218 |
| 1.45 | 238 |
| 1.5 | 260 |
| 1.55 | 284 |
| 1.6 | 310 |
| 1.65 | 338 |
| 1.7 | 370 |
| 1.75 | 404 |
| 1.8 | 441 |
| 1.85 | 482 |
| 1.9 | 527 |
| 1.95 | 575 |
| 2.0 | 628 |
| 2.05 | 687 |
| 2.1 | 750 |
| 2.15 | 819 |
| 2.2 | 895 |
| 2.25 | 978 |
| 2.3 | 1068 |
| 2.35 | 1167 |
| 2.4 | 1275 |
| 2.45 | 1393 |
| 2.5 | 1522 |
| 2.55 | 1662 |
| Body Surface Area | Avg. Breast Tissue Removed (grams) |
| 2.6 | 1806 |
| 2.65 | 1972 |
| 2.7 | 2154 |
| 2.75 | 2352 |
| 2.8 | 2560 |
| 2.85 | 2804 |
| 2.9 | 3061 |
| 2.95 | 3343 |
| 3.0 | 3650 |
| 3.05 | 3985 |
| 3.1 | 4351 |
| 3.15 | 4750 |
| 3.2 | 5166 |
| 3.25 | 5663 |
| 3.3 | 6189 |
| 3.35 | 6750 |
| 3.4 | 7369 |
| 3.45 | 8045 |
| 3.5 | 8783 |
| 3.55 | 9589 |
| 3.6 | 10468 |
| 3.65 | 11428 |
| 3.7 | 12476 |
| 3.75 | 13619 |
| 3.8 | 14867 |
| 3.85 | 16230 |
| 3.9 | 17717 |
My Entire Service In November ( Breast Reduction) With Doctor Scott Newman Was Wonderful !!!! From Beginning To End . Everything Was Explained To Me & I Felt Comfortable & In Good Hands. My Outcome Is Amazing !!!! I’m Definitely Happy & Satisfied. I Have Recommended Him To Friends.
Wanda
Meet Our Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Scott Newman
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Scott Newman is a nationally recognized specialist in breast and body surgery. His refined expertise extends to reconstructive and facial plastic surgery, as well as nonsurgical aesthetics. The innovator of the technology that became VECTRA® 3-D imaging, Dr. Newman is always looking for ways to improve his patients’ safety, comfort, and results. This drive has made Newman Plastic Surgery one of the most technologically advanced practices in the country.
Meet Dr. Newman Request My Consultation
Breast Reduction Surgery Explained by Plastic Surgeon Dr. Scott Newman
Breast Reduction
Before & After Photos
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Respected Authority
Featured in the Media
Expertise and innovation attract attention. Dr. Newman has performed thousands of cosmetic breast, body, face, and skin procedures over his decades in practice. He has earned awards from The Aesthetic Society® (ASAPS) for his innovative techniques and has spoken about emerging technologies to respected colleagues at national meetings. Both the New York and national media trust Dr. Newman for his specialized expertise in both surgical and nonsurgical aesthetics.
Having Your Breast Reduction Surgery Covered By Insurance
If you’re experiencing chronic pain, posture issues, or skin irritation due to overly large breasts, you may qualify for insurance coverage. Most providers consider this procedure medically necessary when symptoms are documented—and that’s where the Schnur scale comes in. The Schnur scale compares your body surface area to the amount of breast tissue to be removed. If the amount meets or exceeds the threshold on the scale, insurance companies are more likely to approve coverage.
Other factors that are important for having breast reduction covered by insurance often include:
Failure of Conservative Treatments
Insurance companies require evidence that you have tried and failed conservative treatments before approving surgery. These treatments are non-surgical methods aimed at relieving symptoms and may include:
- Over-the-counter pain medications
- Prescription medications
- Use of powders to reduce skin irritation
- Wearing support bras with wide straps
- Chiropractic care
- Visits to orthopedic specialists
Only after these conservative measures have been attempted without satisfactory relief will your physician refer you to a plastic surgeon for evaluation.
Physical Examination and Assessment
Once referred, a plastic surgeon will examine you to assess the amount of breast tissue that should be removed. This evaluation considers your height, weight, and the size of your breasts. The surgeon’s goal is to determine a safe and effective reduction volume that will relieve symptoms and maintain a natural breast appearance.
Preparing for Your Insurance Consultation
Gathering Medical Records
Before your insurance consultation, assemble all relevant medical records, including:
- Doctor’s notes documenting symptoms
- Records of conservative treatment attempts
- Referrals to specialists
- Plastic surgeon’s evaluation report
Having comprehensive records ready will streamline the approval process.
Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Providers
To ensure your application is complete, ask your doctors:
- Are all my symptoms clearly documented?
- Have all conservative treatments been tried and recorded?
- Is the surgical plan detailed enough for insurance review?
- What are the chances of insurance approval based on my case?
Benefits of Insurance Approval for Breast Reduction
Having breast reduction surgery covered by insurance significantly reduces your financial burden. Beyond monetary savings, approved surgery means you receive the procedure based on medical necessity rather than cosmetic preference. This improves access to care and allows you to address painful symptoms effectively.
Call or contact our office today for a breast reduction consultation with Dr. Scott Newman.
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