What is the best cup size for a body frame of 5 ft, 130 lbs with a cup size of 38DDD? Also, I'm 23 years old.

Patients often speak in terms of cup size. Unfortunately, cup size is not always helpful because manufacturers of bras label their products differently and women don’t wear their bras the same way. For many women their bra size becomes their breast size even though they may not be directly related. One of the most important decisions facing breast reduction patients is the final size of their breast. Most patients are striving for harmony, balance and proportion with the surrounding anatomic structures. In other words, it’s important that their breasts fit their bodies regardless of cup size. In addition, patients often have different ideas about what constitutes an attractive breast. Some patients want a natural breast with less upper breast fullness, while others want an artificial breast with more upper breast fullness. These decisions will affect the optimal cup size as well. For these reasons, there’s probably no ideal cup size for any particular patients. The cup size chosen is the one that fits their body and meets their aesthetic goals.

The average American cup size is C. You can work with your plastic surgeon to discuss your goals. Most women request C cup, but it is perfectly OK to ask for a D or a B, as long as you satisfy the insurance company requirements.

Many women who come in to discuss breast reduction surgery with me, are unsure what cup size would be suitable for them. Conversely, some women feel like they know that want to be a “C cup”. During the consultation, you will be shown photos of other women who have had breast reduction surgery. This can help to guide us to the size that may best fit you. A good approach also, is to provide your surgeon with a photo of your ideal breasts on someone who has a body similar to your own. She can then focus on shape, not size, and discuss a realistic outcome with you for what you are looking to achieve.

Thank you for your question. The most important factor when sizing implants, is working closely with your surgeon, in person, to find the implant size that gives you the look that you desire. Careful measurements of your breast and chest wall will help determine which size implants will fit within your natural breast footprint. Taking into account your desired look, and your measurements, an implant is chosen that specifically fits your body. Unfortunately, online recommendations are not that helpful. Make sure that you have a good relationship with your plastic surgeon, so that you two can work together to find the right size. In my office, patients try on implants in a bra and clothing. There able to see how they look in the mirror, and in photographs. Most women know they have found the right size when their breasts come into balance with their shoulders, waist, hips and buttocks.? Women are also encouraged to bring in wish pictures, so that I can get a sense of the look that they would like to achieve. Good luck with the process!

I am a Plastic surgeon in London and thank you for your question. There is no ideal cup size and you should see a qualified Plastic surgeon who will be able to guide you through this process. It is more important to have a good shape after a reduction as excessive reductions can make the breasts look flat.

The ideal breast cup size varies from woman to woman. Every woman has a different idea in her mind of how she wants her breasts to look, and therefore it is hard to tell you what size is best for you without examining you in person and hearing what you envision as the best breast size for yourself. You want breasts that are in balance with the rest of your body, which is probably much smaller than a 38DDD for you. I recommend consulting in person with a board certified plastic surgeon, so you can get an answer that is truly correct for you!

Breast reduction, or reduction mammaplasty patients are among the most satisfied of all plastic surgery patients. Large breasts (macromastia) can often decrease quality of life for a woman. With breast reduction, you can have smaller breasts that sit higher on your chest wall. You will also find relief in your neck and back with the decrease in weight and more ergonomic position of your breasts.There are several different variations of breast reduction, differing by size, and amount of incisions; procedure; and the results. The different types of reduction techniques include: The wise pattern breast lift, the anchor shaped incision, and the donut mastopexy.1. The wise pattern breast lift involves an anchor-shaped incision around the natural contour of the breast. To most patients surprise, this scar is mostly hidden under the inferior aspect of the breast. However, the scar around the nipple/areola is visible. Most patients heal this anchor type scar very well and are satisfied with smaller areola in exchange for the scars. This surgery is used when there is a lot of excess skin that needs to be removed in order to lift the breast and give it a more aesthetic shape.2. Often times, the anchor shaped incision can me diminished to create a lollipop or J shaped incision. This results in some excess skin at the inferior aspect of the breast near the breast crease that will flatten out over a 6 month period. Some patients are willing to tolerate this excess skin for 6 months in exchange for a smaller scar. This is a personal decision that each patient can make.3. The donut mastopexy involves creating an incision around the areola and removing a doughnut-shaped area of skin. This surgery can be used for patients that need a smaller amount of lifting. This surgery results in a scrunched-up look to the breast skin surrounding the areola for about 6 months before it flattens out. Patients need to be understanding and tolerant of this in exchange for an areola-only scar. These patients do run the risk of areola widening as well.Insurance may cover some of these cases when back pain, shoulder bra-notching, and rashes under the breast are present. Insurances vary though and your doctor can submit a report and photos to see if your insurance approves your procedure.The ideal size depends on the size of your hips and waist. Your surgeon will be able to guide you in this decision.The risks of the procedure include bleeding, infection, bruising, poor scarring, pain, swelling, and changes to nipple and areola sensation, and rarely, partial or total nipple loss. The recovery time is usually a couple weeks if all goes well. In general, however, breast reduction patients are some of the most satisfied and grateful plastic surgery patients. This is truly a life-changing procedure. In my area, the cost ranges from 6700-8500. Best of luck!

It is hard to say what the best size is for you. It depends where you keep those 130 lbs. For someone who is very muscular a smaller size might look better. If you have wide hips, you may want to stay larger. The best size should be determined at your consultation with your surgeon. Sometimes what is desired and what is safe differ.

There is a lot of personal preference that comes into play here. If you do not like your DDD breasts, then they are too large. If you were to have a breast reduction, you could reasonably expect to be a D or C/D. If you wanted to keep some of the volume a DD would be possible too. It is completely up to you and the board certified plastic surgeon

Hello! Thank you for your question. In general, implant size does not correlate with bra cup size. The cup size itself will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer as well as who is doing the actual measurements. Thus, cup size is never a reliable indicator for your breast size. I typically encourage my patients not to communicate her desires in cup size but more on the actual look and appearance. Good communication between you and your surgeon of your expectations is warranted - choosing your surgeon wisely is the first step. Discussion of your wishes and having an honest and open dialog of your procedure is mandatory (e.g, implant type, incision, placement, lift, etc). I have found that photographs brought by the patient is helpful to get a visualization of the appearance you wish for in terms of size, shape, fullness, etc. In addition, your surgeon's pre and postoperative photographs should demonstrate a realistic goal for you. Once this has been accomplished, allow your surgeon to utilize his/her best medical judgment during the procedure to finesse the best possible result for you after preoperative biodimensional planning and fitting the right implant or breast reduction for your breast width. Hope me that this helps! Best wishes for a wonderful result!