36G to 36C? What Size Should I Be?

Congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast reduction surgery. It is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform. You are wise in reaching a long-term stable weight prior to proceeding with the surgery.

Unfortunately, there is no direct correlation between the amount of tissue removed and the ultimate cup size that a patient will wear after breast reduction surgery.
Before undergoing the breast reduction procedure will be 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 " proportionate”,  “natural” or “C cup” means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
 Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup  size may also be inaccurate.
Best wishes.

Thank you for your question.  Congratulations on your weight loss-keep up the good work.  Bra cup sizes are notoriously arbitrary.  I have found with my patients, a good way to communicate about reduction amount is to show the patient an implant that is roughly the same size as the amount of tissue I am going to remove.  This will help you visualize what the remaining breast volume will be.  What size cup this will be is hard to predicate because the cup sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.  Do not be upset if some bra brand says you are D, etc.  A C cup is nice but the most important thing is that you have relief from the heavy breasts, that the shape is good and it looks good on your proportions.  Definitely review this with your plastic surgeon.  Most breast reduction patients prefer to be smaller rather than larger, assuming a good shape can be produced.  Hope this helps and good luck with your surgery. 

Tracy Pfeifer, MD, MS