Breast reduction

Steven Wallach, MD answers: Breast Reduction from C cup to A cup

I am going for a consultation for breast reduction. I am 39 years old and have been wanting a reduction for some time. I have tried to lose weight as I was advised by my GP but this seemed to make little difference. I am a C cup at present but they are very heavy, causing me back pain and shoulder pain. Is it reasonable to request going down to a small B or A? I exercise a lot and at the moment this is very painful. I am going to a private clinic as the NHS will not assist as they say it is simply cosmetic.


Steven Wallach, MD
5 months ago

Reductions can be performed within reason. It is very difficult to make the breast an A cup from a C cup. More likely a B cup could be appropriate. The nipple areola complex has to be moved on a mound of tissue thick enough for it to survive. Same goes for the skin.

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A: Breast reduction advise on going from a C to an A or B cup

Barry H. Dolich, MD
5 months ago

Without knowing your age ,height, weight, reproductive  and nursing history it is difficult to answer your question. How this will effect the balence, equilibriumand harmony of your torso is the KEY question. In my 37 yrs. of practice it is unusual to have a patient request a reduction with a C cup. Howeve, if you are pendulous you may benifit from a breast lift  AND a small reduction.

You can see more information on some of my previous posts which may be helpful.

A: C cup and back pain

Kenneth R. Francis, MD
5 months ago

Georgina,

It is difficult to determine whether your back and shoulder pain symptoms are due to your breast size without examining you, knowing your body habitus and history.  In general, C cup breasts do not cause significant back pain.  Be sure that there is not another possible cause for the pain, e.g. spine or disc problems.  If not, then seek the advice of a plastic surgeon.  There may be some restrictions on the amount of tissue to be removed to be considered a medically necessary breast reduction.  Good luck!

A: Breast reduction advice and cup sizes

Nina S. Naidu, MD
5 months ago

Hi, you can certainly undergo a breast reduction to your desired size.  However, whether or not an A or B cup would be attractive on you is something that cannot be determined without an examination.  The goal in breast reduction surgery is to reduce and lift the breast tissue while providing you with a result that is harmonious with your body's frame.  Also, as you probably know, different manufacturers use different criteria for cup sizing (for example, Victoria's Secret bras tend to run small), so your concept of a C cup may be different from your surgeon's.  The best plan would be to go in for a consultation and discuss your goals with your surgeon.  If you have pictures from magazines of your ideal size, you can show them to your surgeon as well.  Good luck!

A: Have realistic expectations

David Shafer, MD
5 months ago

 With breast reduction surgery, it is possible to reduce the size of the breast - that is the intent of the procedure.  However, to maintain a normal appearing breast, there are usually limits to how much the breast can safely be reduced.  Good luck with your procedure.

A: It is easy to make you an A cup, but I wouldn't recommend it.

George J. Beraka, MD
5 months ago

Hi!

With good technique, you can literally be made any size, but it is important to have a good eye for esthetic balance. In Manhattan, we occasionally see a breast reduction patient who is sure she never wants to need to wear a bra again.  And we make her an A cup, and she is happy, even if she looks a little bottom heavy.

But this is the exception.  It is so important to really listen to the patient.  For most women, a B cup is small enough and ages well.

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