Currently 40DDD and want to be a C cup. Surgeon said he can't safely make breasts that small - why?

Jen,
Photos would help in properly answering your questions.
There are times that reducing ones breasts cannot achieve the smallest size desired due to the width and size of the breasts. The larger the reduction, the longer the resultant scars. I am usually able to reduce very large breasts down to a large C cup, certainly not a B or small C.
Dr. Taranow

Hi,
Thank you for the question.
Based on what you are describing, it does sound that you have large/heavy breasts causing physical symptoms, and breast reduction may be an option for you. However, it is difficult to tell without seeing the photos and/or in person consultation.
During breast reduction surgery, excess breast tissue is removed, the breast is lifted and nipple/areola is typically made smaller. It is easiest to think of breast reduction as including the breast lift.
Schnur Sliding Scale is a scale used by many insurance companies as a guideline for how much breast tissue should be removed in order to improve your physical symptoms. In addition, most insurances in order to approve the surgery, will require for 2-3 letters of medical necessity (from your chiropractor, primary doctor, OBGYN, Dermatologist, etc) demonstrating that your physical symptoms due to large breasts are not improving with conservative management.
The goal of breast reduction surgery it to make the breasts smaller and lifted, but also proportionate with the rest of your body. It is reasonable to to expect full C/small D cup breast size after the breast reduction surgery.
I suggest that you seek an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon specializing in Breast Reduction surgeries to further discuss your options, specific techniques, concerns and expectations. Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.
I hope this helps.Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Thanks for the question. this this always an interesting discussion in breast reduction consultation. As i explain this operation can not guarantee any cup size. It is done preserving blood supply to the nipple areola complex and desired size can be achieved maintaining adequate breast size suitable for the frame. Cup size C is achievable after breast reduction surgeries and better idea can arrived at following examination and measurements.