I Am 5'1" and a 34G. I Want to Be a C, but the Dr. Says D. Doesn't He Do What I Want? (photo)

Thank you for the question.

Unfortunately, no plastic surgeon is able to predict exactly what cup size you will be after breast reduction surgery. As you know, cup sizes vary depending on who makes the bra; this makes discussing cup size an inaccurate way of communicating your goals.  

Also, every patient's chest width varies;  if the patient has a wide chest wall it may not be possible to achieve a smaller width  or cup size.

In my practice I use goal pictures to communicate with patients.  With this technique patients are able to demonstrate what they are trying to achieve and what type of looks they do not like as well.   The patient's goal pictures are hanging on the wall, and allow for direct comparison.
 I have found that this system is very helpful in improving the chances of achieving the patient's goals as consistently as possible. 


Congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast reduction surgery;  it is one of the most patient pleasing operations plastic surgeons perform.

Best wishes.

There are a few issues for you to consider regarding reducing your breasts to a much smaller size. There are no accepted standards that dictate a particular breast volume translates to a specific cup size. That is why one company's "C" cup may fit identical to another company's "D" cup. As a consequence, it is possible that you and your doctor are thinking about the same/similar breast size but are attributing to it different cup sizes. Be clear with your plastic surgeon in regard to proportionality.

The next issue is that the outcome from surgery may not be entirely predictable. You may be in a range that could be "C" or "D" and your doctor is just making sure that you won't necessarily be disappointed if you end up slightly larger.

Finally, given your very large size, a greater reduction may translate to a greater risk of inadequate blood supply issues such as to the nipple where its viability can be compromised. Therefore, reducing slightly less may lower your risk for this problem which is definitely a worthy trade-off.