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 guideline that compares body surface area (BSA) to the minimum weight of breast tissue that should be removed for the procedure to be considered medically necessary. 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.
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
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.
- If both measurements fall below the 22nd percentile, the procedure is considered cosmetic and not medically necessary.
- If both measurements are above the 22nd percentile and other required criteria are met, the procedure is classified as medically necessary.
Not sure what your BSA is? Calculate it below.
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) | Body Surface Area | Avg. Breast Tissue Removed (grams) |
1.35 | 199 | 2.6 | 1806 |
1.4 | 218 | 2.65 | 1972 |
1.45 | 238 | 2.7 | 2154 |
1.5 | 260 | 2.75 | 2352 |
1.55 | 284 | 2.8 | 2560 |
1.6 | 310 | 2.85 | 2804 |
1.65 | 338 | 2.9 | 3061 |
1.7 | 370 | 2.95 | 3343 |
1.75 | 404 | 3.0 | 3650 |
1.8 | 441 | 3.05 | 3985 |
1.85 | 482 | 3.1 | 4351 |
1.9 | 527 | 3.15 | 4750 |
1.95 | 575 | 3.2 | 5166 |
2.0 | 628 | 3.25 | 5663 |
2.05 | 687 | 3.3 | 6189 |
2.1 | 750 | 3.35 | 6750 |
2.15 | 819 | 3.4 | 7369 |
2.2 | 895 | 3.45 | 8045 |
2.25 | 978 | 3.5 | 8783 |
2.3 | 1068 | 3.55 | 9589 |
2.35 | 1167 | 3.6 | 10468 |
2.4 | 1275 | 3.65 | 11428 |
2.45 | 1393 | 3.7 | 12476 |
2.5 | 1522 | 3.75 | 13619 |
2.55 | 1662 | 3.8 | 14867 |
3.85 | 16230 | ||
3.9 | 17717 |
Breast Reduction Surgery Explained by Plastic Surgeon Dr. Scott Newman
Breast Reduction
Before & After Photos
WARNING:
This feature contains nudity. Please click OK to confirm you are at least 18 years of age and are not offended by such material.
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.