Breast reduction before & after photos
94%
315 reviews
Worth It Rating Our index shows the percentage of community members saying this was "Worth it". See cosmetic treatment rankings
Breast Reduction Cost $6,000 average cost

Possible to Reduce Breasts from 38D to a C-cup?

Im a 21 year old female with 38D breast, I have pain in my back and rolled shoulders. I've also developed a rash underneath of my breast. I'm considering a

breast reduction

to a C-cup is that plausible?

Asked 34 months ago by BritRoshambo in fairless hills pa
Sort 21 expert answers by:
+2

Certainly possible

It sounds like you would be a potentially good candidate for breast reduction, but I think it's important to not just consider the bra size, but the overall shape, symmetry, and long term results that you could get from a breast reduction surgery. Fitting well into a C-cup bra should likely be achievable, but I would recommend a formal consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in your area to have a formal exam-- he can give you a sense of what size you would be, where the... more
Shahram Salemy, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+2

Selecting a cup size is not possible

Cup sizing is not an exact science and surgery cannot guarantee a postop cup size.  Sometimes the base width of the breast is too wide to ever fit in a C cup.  Regardless of cup size, a reduction should improve the size and shape of your breasts and minimize or eliminate your symptoms.
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Reduction to C Cup?

Thank you for the question. Yes, it is likely that you will be able to achieve your size goals after breast reduction surgery. Before undergoing the breast reduction procedure it is very important to communicate your size goals with your surgeon. Most patients, like you, wish to achieve a enough of a reduction to help with their symptoms while remaining proportionate with the remainder of their torso. With the goal of improving communication with my patients I find... more
Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast reduction from a D cup to a C cup

This is a fairly common request with breast reduction.  Sometimes patients may need to go even smaller if they are having significant symptoms of back or neck pain.  Keep in mind however that going too small can distort the shape of the breast leaving it too flat in appearance.  To go from a D cup to a C cup should be fine. Some insurance carriers will want to see a certain amount of tissue removed (usually 500gms), so if your procedure is going to be covered my insurance,... more
William Bruno, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Reducing breast size from D to C is commonly done.

Reduction of one cup size is fairly easy and safe.  The main drawback are the incisions that are necessary to complete the operation. 
Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Reducing breast size with breast reduction surgery

Absolutely,  it is possible to reduce your breast size and shape. However, depending on your chest diameter and breast width, you may still have lateral breast tissue that will have to be liposuctioned.
Raffy Karamanoukian, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast reduction from a D to a C cup sounds reasonable

It is typically quite possible to go from a D to a C cup, and you sound like a good candidate for a breast reduction.  You can expect to have smaller, lifted, perkier breasts after this outpatient surgery  (you go home the same day).  Recovery is typically not difficult, and women who have breast reductions done are some of the happiest in my practice.  Good luck!
Carmen Kavali, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast Reduction to a C-cup

Breast reduction surgery removes excess breast tissue and reshapes the contour of the breasts so that they are smaller and perkier. I commonly use a minimal incision technique (Le Jour), eliminating the need for large scars while providing a pleasing breast contour and shape that is proportionate to the patient’s body. Your surgeon knows exactly how much tissue he or she is taking out, because it is weighed after removal. The good news is that this procedure can be performed... more
Michelle Copeland, MD, DMD
New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast reduction surgery is an excellent choice

  Breast reduction surgery can effectively reduce the size and shape of your breasts to a C. cup. At this stage, it is best to discuss your goals and your concerns with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is very experienced in the different techniques for breast reduction. For patients such as yourselves this breast reduction may be performed through a periareolar or a lollipop incision. Another crucial element for a successful outcome is the internal structure of the breast.... more
B. Pat Pazmino, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast reduction may be possible

Breast reduction may be possible, but you cannot always choose how small you can go. It has to do with the technical aspects of reducing the breast such as to preserve feeling and healing potential. After your surgeon examines you he or she can help fine tune your expectations better. Best Regards.
John P. Di Saia, MD
Orange Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast reductions

Performing a small breast reduction from a "D" cup to a "C" cup is very possible.  You should discuss your concerns with yoru doctor when you have your consultation.
Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Small reductions are possible

As others have noted, there is no standard size for a bra, so it is possible you are bigger than a D and will end up around a C. Small reductions can help you with your issues, although no plastic surgeon can promise you that the shoulder back and neck pains will go away. The goal will be to have you look better and feel better about yourself and body.
William B. Rosenblatt, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
+1

A C cup is a reasonable expectation for breast reduction

Going from a 38D to a C cup is usually possible with a very nice aesthetic result.  Often times insurance will also pay for the procedure, depending on your insurance and the amount of tissue to be removed.  Your plastic surgeon should be able to advise you.
Robert M. Jensen, MD
Medford Plastic Surgeon
+1

Go for the results not the number.

This can be achieved and generally should represent a reduction of your breasts by an average of 200-300. However, the difficulty is that not all bra cups are designed by the same standards and I would not be fixated on the absolute cup size but by the improvement achieved. Bra designers are not unlike dress designers and their cups may vary tremendously from one designer to another.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Absolutely.

Hi! Your expectations are so reasonable. This is routine. Breast reduction techniques and results vary a lot. So find a board certified plastic surgeon, and ask to see lots of before and after pictures. You will have some scars of course, but they fade. You probably will need a "lollypop" scar.
George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Should be no problem

Discuss this with your surgeon.  He will want to know what your desires are, and though no guarantee can be made, what you describe is a reasonable goal. sek
Scott E. Kasden, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

It is possible

There are no standard bra sizes and I never promise or predict the outcome based on cup size. Estimates can certainly be given, however. I use patients size request as a guideline of the amount of reduction that would be necessary. But, yes, a modest reduction can be performed for you to alleviate your symptoms..
Michael S. Beckenstein, MD
Birmingham Plastic Surgeon
+1

Yes it is certainly possible

It sounds like you are a good candidate for breast reduction and have realistic expectations. Visit with a borad-certified plastic surgeon. Make sure you view photos of the scars themselves so you can see exactly where they are. In general, breast reduction patients are thrilled they went ahead. Occasionally, the scars can heal in a thickened fashion and this is a detraction. Have a discussion with your doctor about hwere the scars will be (some surgeons will actually draw on you) and... more
Francisco Canales, MD
Santa Rosa Plastic Surgeon
+1

Absolutely!

Going down approximately one cup size might be able to be done with simple liposuction although there is less control of shape. Depending how much of your concern is size/weight and how muc is shape, treatment options will differ. In general, the more shaping you want, the more scars you will require. Also, you have to consider that going down one cup size may or may not affect your pain and discomfort. The fact that you have a rash indicates that you have enough sagging such that a... more
Robin T.W. Yuan, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

Generally yes, a C cup is possible.

By your description it sounds like you may be a good candidate for breast reduction. A certain cup size cannot be guaranteed as the bra manufacturers are not standardized in their cup sizing. The breasts will be reduced in size and generally made much more proportional for your body frame. The associated symptoms will be reduced or alleviated and you will appear to have lost more weight than actually removed. It is a great operation with few risks. I encourage you to seek a consultation... more
Brian J. Lee, MD
Fort Wayne Plastic Surgeon
+1

Possible, but no cup size guarrantee

It is possible, but no plastic surgeon will commit 100% to a cup size as it varies according to many variables. The goal is to acheive a symmetric breast reduction. Your surgeon will show you the proper position of the nipple/areola as well the excess areas. In general, it is not unreasonable to expect a C cup.
Hisham Seify, MD, PhD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
Use of this website and the posting of any reviews or other content on this website constitutes acceptance of the RealSelf® Terms of Service. The material on this site is for informational purposes only, and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by a qualified health care provider. © 2011 RealSelf, Inc. All rights reserved.