Schnur Scale Breast Reduction Calculator
Determine if your breast reduction surgery meets medical necessity criteria based on the Schnur Scale, which correlates body surface area with minimum breast tissue removal requirements.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter your height in inches and weight in pounds
- Input the planned amount of breast tissue to be removed per breast in grams
- Select your insurance type and adjust your age using the slider
- Indicate if you're experiencing symptoms of macromastia
- Click Calculate to determine if your procedure meets medical necessity criteria
Formula Used
BSA = 0.007184 × height^0.725 × weight^0.425
Minimum Removal = Schnur Scale Value × 22.7
Where:
- BSA = Body Surface Area in square meters
- Height = Height in centimeters (converted from inches)
- Weight = Weight in kilograms (converted from pounds)
- Schnur Scale Value = Determined from the Schnur Scale chart based on BSA
- Minimum Removal = Minimum grams per breast needed for medical necessity
Example Calculation
Real-World Scenario:
Sarah is 5'6" (66 inches) tall and weighs 155 pounds. Her surgeon plans to remove 450 grams of tissue from each breast. She has standard insurance and is experiencing back, neck, and shoulder pain due to her breast size.
Given:
- Height = 66 inches (167.64 cm)
- Weight = 155 pounds (70.31 kg)
- Planned Removal = 450 grams per breast
Calculation:
BSA = 0.007184 × 167.64^0.725 × 70.31^0.425 = 1.71 m²
From Schnur Scale, BSA of 1.71 m² corresponds to a minimum removal of approximately 400 grams per breast
Result: Sarah's planned removal of 450 grams per breast exceeds the minimum requirement of 400 grams, so her procedure meets the medical necessity criteria for insurance coverage.
Why This Calculation Matters
Practical Applications
- Determining insurance coverage eligibility for breast reduction
- Helping surgeons document medical necessity
- Providing patients with realistic expectations
- Standardizing criteria across different insurance providers
Key Benefits
- Objective measure for medical necessity
- Reduces subjective insurance approval decisions
- Helps patients understand coverage likelihood
- Supports pre-authorization documentation
Common Mistakes & Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
References & Disclaimer
Medical Disclaimer
This calculator provides estimates based on the Schnur Scale and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The results should not be used as the sole determinant for insurance coverage or medical necessity. Consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon and your insurance provider for specific information regarding your individual case. This calculator does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
References
- Schnur SL, et al. "Reduction Mammaplasty: An Outcome Study" (Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, 1991) - Original research article introducing the Schnur Scale for determining medical necessity in breast reduction surgery.
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons: Breast Reduction - Comprehensive information about breast reduction surgery, including insurance considerations.
- Thorne CH, et al. "Grabb and Smith's Plastic Surgery" (2013) - Reference textbook detailing the Schnur Scale and its application in clinical practice.
Accuracy Notice
This calculator uses the most current Schnur Scale values available, but insurance criteria may change. The calculator provides estimates only and individual insurance providers may have different requirements. The accuracy of the results depends on the accuracy of the information provided. Always verify coverage criteria directly with your insurance provider.
About the Author
Kumaravel Madhavan
Web developer and data researcher creating accurate, easy-to-use calculators across health, finance, education, and construction and more. Works with subject-matter experts to ensure formulas meet trusted standards like WHO, NIH, and ISO.