Bra sizes are inaccurate but if you are truly a C-cup, then breast reduction may not be the answer. Typically patients are at least a D-cup or larger who undergo breast reduction surgery. Now granted you could be larger and just wearing a C-cup. In that case a breast reduction may be warranted and help you. Going down to an A-cup is not a realistic expectation if you are truly a C-cup. There are limitations to the surgery. Sounds like you need to meet face to face with a board certified plastic surgeon to determine your true breast size relative to your body type and review the causes of your discomfort and whether or not a breast reduction surgery is indicated. Have you looked into other causes for your symptoms? Make sure you bring up all your concerns during your upcoming consultation. Good luck.
Is breast reduction indicated?
Bahram Ghaderi, 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.
A: This is a small reduction
This is a relatively modest reduction.
You're key word is "at the moment". Don't do a breast reduction for the moment. Do it for the rest of your life. Be sure that a small B or a is something you are comfortable with over the longterm. If the answer is yes, then you may consider it. I am not quite familar with the NHS guidelines for breast reduction but you may not meet the criteria for coverage.
In any event seek a qualified surgeon and ask their advice regarding the feasibility of your request and goals.
Contact the doctorA: Reduced breast size
Given the cup size you are and hope to be, volume may not be your only issue. A part of your surgery may be more of an elevation of the nipple position, than reducing breast tissue itself. This may determine the length of incisions too.
Good luck
A: An A cup is unlikely after breast reduction
There are many factors which must be balanced when considering breast reduction. Cup size is one important one, as is nipple position relative to the fold under the breast. Others are the amount of skin and laxity within the breast, the projection of the tissue (full or soft and long), and the base diameter of the breast. On average most patients will wear a D cup after a significant reduction, often over two thirds of the breast present, The reason is the geometry as it relates to the aesthetics. After reduction we would like the breast to be much smaller, higher with good projection, a natural S line from underarm to breast to chest and fold under, a nipple 2 cm. above the fold or front and center, and a minimum of visible scar.
The A and very often the B cup cannot be achieved because the base diameter of the breast is large at a starting D or DD cup and it is very difficult to reduce to a very small cup without a sacrifice in projection and shape. You might find it helpful to look at several bras while shopping in an A and B cup to notice the differences from your current cup size. If you are indeed a C cup, reduction to a B cup may well work however I suggest that you not set your sights any smaller.
Best of luck,
peterejohnsonmd
