Breast Reduction: Q&A

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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.

20 Doctor Answers | Asked by Georgina in Bristol in Bristol UK
+3

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... more
+3

C cup and back pain

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... more
+2

Breast Size after breast reduction

There is no " ideal” breast size. It is very important to communicate YOUR size goals with your surgeon. In my practice, the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or “C cup” or "fake looking" means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful. Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on who... more

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+2

Breast reduction from C cup to A cup

Breast reduction is a popular and effective way to remove tissue that may be causing pain and symptoms and contour the shape of your breast. There are many excellent techniques that can help you recontour the shape of your breast and create a pleasing new breast mound. Many techniques will also minimize the amount of scars that are necessary to place on the skin. Be sure that you're working with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has a great deal of experience in breast... more
+2

Proportion

I advocate being proportionate. Now when you say you're a "C" this is somewhat arbitrary as all bras are different. However, if you are athletic it is not unreasonable to get, what I call, a sporty reduction. This means a reduction of 150-400cc that will help maintain a nice figure but at the same time allow you to feel more comfortable while exercising and reduce the strain on your neck and back. Unfortunately, there's no insurance company that will cover this reduction. ... more
+1

Breast reduction from C cup to A cup

Are you having the Breast reduction because of pain or how the breasts look? If it is the pain, I would rule out other causes of pain, such as nerve root compression at the neck, or musculoskeletal strain that may be treated otherwise. A C cup breast would be unlikely to cause so much pain, unless the breasts were unusually heavy or glandular. As an aside, it would be unlikely you would be able to get insurance coverage for such a small reduction. Of course, anything can be done with proper... more
+1

Is breast reduction indicated?

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... more
+1

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

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.
+1

Breast reduction will acheive these results

Large droppy breasts can cause a variety of symptoms e.g neck pain, bra strap lines etc.... in general a D cup or more would cause these symptoms.It is uncommon to have a C cup causing these symptoms. However, a reduction could male you a B cup. An A cup might be difficult to acheive due to nipple blood supply related issues. Hope that helps!
+1

Breast reduction

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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These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.

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