How can I choose the right cup size before my breast reduction?

As far as choosing the “right cup size” before breast reduction, you need to understand there is no right or wrong cup size. Every patient will have their own idea of what looks best and some patients prefer a fuller breast while others prefer a smaller breast. For you, the best way to show your surgeon what you are looking for is probably with pictures. I usually have my patients go to my website and look through my breast reduction photo gallery and find the postoperative result that looks most like what they imagine they would be happy with. As opposed to breast augmentation where we can place sizers in a bra to get a better sense of how much fuller a patient wants to be, with breast reduction surgery this usually has to be determined more visually by using photos. It is an art form and the final size will be based on your natural anatomy as well as surgical technique. However, I can generally get patients very close to the ballpark size they are shooting for. Cup size is not an accurate measurement and can vary dramatically with which brand bra you buy, so I would not depend on using a cup size to communicate what you want to look like as there is a lot higher risk of a misunderstanding. Cup size is a good starting point to get on target. However, as I mentioned earlier, using postoperative photos can be even more helpful way to communicate your goals.

Hello,Just like in breast augmentation, there is no way for a surgeon to give you an exact cup size. There is no formula equating tissue removed and cup size, and there is no way of looking at a breast on the operating room table after reducing it to determine it's cup size.Here's the reality: It's best to remove as much tissue as safely possible to achieve the tightest, most durable result. Leaving tissue behind for the sake of size preservation will only make a more droopy, shapeless breast in the near future.  If you want to optimize shape or get back some volume, I recommend the addition of an implant at the time of your reduction.Best of luck!

There are computer sizing programs that can help you with this. I don't have one for breast reduction but this would be a good way to help you decide. Photographs of individuals with the end result that you would like will help the surgeon as well.