H cup hoping to achieve C cup - can this be done with a reduction alone? (photo)

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. You are a great candidate for a breast reduction and should be able to achieve a C/B cup size. There is no reason why not.

Thank you for your inquiry! We would love to meet with you to discuss your concerns. Schedule a consultation with Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to help you reach your goal.

During your consultation, the surgeon will assess your breast anatomy, evaluate the amount of tissue to be removed, and discuss your goals. During a breast lift, minimal or no tissue is removed, and during a breast reduction, the breast size is reduced.
While your surgeon can estimate the volume reduction, they cannot guarantee a specific cup size. This is because cup size is an unreliable measure, as it varies between bra manufacturers and styles, and factors like band size and breast shape play a role in fit. Instead of focusing on cup size, the consultation should prioritize discussing your desired aesthetic outcome, including breast volume, symmetry, shape, and nipple position.
Predicting cup size after a breast reduction is challenging due to factors like weight changes, hormonal shifts, and pregnancy, which can affect breast size over time. A common conversational approach for breast reduction is to reduce the breasts by “about half”, which allows a helpful conversation to help the patient and surgeon understand if this is “too big, too small, or just right” for the patient’s goals and that creates a harmonious result with the body. During a breast reduction, the breast and nipple-areola are repositioned higher on the chest wall, thereby giving a “lift.” However, each patient is unique, and expectations should be set realistically. Since you recently stopped breastfeeding, it is recommended to wait at least six months before considering surgery, as your breast volume may change further.
Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHSHarvard, Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Trained Aesthetic Plastic SurgeonNew York, New York

Yes, it is reasonable to reduce to a "C" cup with a reduction mammoplasty. A reduction will significantly help with breast proportion compared to the rest of your body as well as lifting, reshaping and improved symmetry, I would not hesitate to proceed as the satisfaction with this procedure is universally high. See attached reference for review. Thank you.

Thank you for your question. Achieving an exact cup size, such as 32C or 32B, after a breast reduction may be challenging, as cup sizes can differ between bra manufacturers and designs. Additionally, the final cup size is influenced by factors such as breast tissue density, chest width, and individual breast shape. Your weight of 145 pounds and height of 5'8" suggest that you have a moderately tall and slim build. Sometimes, lifting techniques may be included in a reduction to improve the overall appearance. During your consultation, your surgeon will assess your breast anatomy, review the amount of breast tissue they plan to remove, and discuss your goals. Due to various factors, they may not be able to guarantee a specific cup size, but they can provide an estimate of the potential reduction in volume.

Predicting cup size in a breast reduction consultation is a common concern for many women seeking this procedure. However, it's essential to understand why accurately predicting cup size is not always feasible and why it shouldn't be the primary focus of the consultation.

First and foremost, cup size is a notoriously unreliable measurement of breast size. The concept of cup sizes can vary significantly between different bra manufacturers and even between different styles within the same brand. Factors such as band size, breast shape, and individual body proportions all contribute to how a bra fits and what cup size it corresponds to. Therefore, basing expectations solely on achieving a specific cup size can lead to disappointment and unrealistic goals.

During a breast reduction consultation, the focus should instead be on discussing your goals, concerns, and desired outcomes. A skilled and experienced plastic surgeon will assess factors such as breast volume, symmetry, nipple position, and overall breast shape to develop a personalized surgical plan that addresses the patient's unique needs. This plan may include removing excess breast tissue, reshaping the breasts, and repositioning the nipples to achieve a more proportionate and aesthetically pleasing result.

A good rule of thumb is that the breasts will be reduced by about half of their current size in a breast reduction. Some patient will say that is too much, others will say that is too little. It is helpful when trying to figure out whether someone is looking for a reduction or a lift. However in general this approach leaves enough tissue to recreate a pleasing aesthetic and keep the breast size harmonious with the rest of the body as we mature. Now no 2 patients are alike, but that is why this is simply a rule of thumb.

Additionally, predicting cup size after breast reduction surgery is further complicated by the fact that breast size can change over time due to factors such as weight fluctuations, hormonal changes, and pregnancy. While the goal of breast reduction surgery is to create long-lasting results, it's important to recognize that individual outcomes can vary, and some degree of unpredictability is inherent in any surgical procedure. In your case you should wait 6 months after completion of breast feeding to get an accurate reading of the volume of your breasts. Again variable but many women will deflate further.

Instead of focusing on cup size, focus on communicating your desired aesthetic outcome and trusting the surgeon's expertise to achieve the best possible results. Make sure you connect well, look at their before and afters, and see if you like their aesthetic. By approaching the consultation with realistic expectations and a collaborative mindset, you can work together with your surgeon to create a surgical plan that aligns with your goals and delivers a satisfying outcome that enhances both physical appearance and your quality of life.

Thanks for your question! I wouldn't focus on the cup size. However, you will always be a slightly larger cup size because of the width of your breasts. Even though you will be maybe a D cup, you won't be a true D. I would suggest one or two more opinions, but I wouldn't be surprised if you hear similar from other surgeons. Good luck!

You can be as small as you want to be after a breast reduction! And, fortunately, there is a lifting component that is part of a breast reduction, so you don't have to choose reduction over lifting.

From the submitted photo it appears you are a good candidate for a breast reduction. You mentioned that you recently stopped breastfeeding. It's recommended to wait 3-6 months after pregnancy and cessation of breastfeeding before considering breast reduction in order to allow the breasts time to stabilize. A lift is included as part of the breast reduction. I've included a video on this procedure that I hope you find helpful.

HI, this is very challenging to reduce to that degree. The risk is possible nipples loss because making the breast that small may choke on the leash of blood supply keeping the nipple alive. One option is nipple grafting to get that small and another option is reducing to a bigger size.