Breast Reduction - what's the smallest you can go?

Question

I am 18 years old and I have a 30H. Realistically, how small can my breasts be reduced when I get a breast reduction?

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

You cannot go too small because too much tissue excision could injure the blood supply to your nipple.  Typically this is a D cup.  There is a procedure where the nipple is completely removed, the breast reduced without limits on size, and the nipple grafted on.  However you would not be able to breast feed or have normal nipple sensation afterwards.

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your query. We try to leave as much of central glandular tissue as possible when we do breast reductions for the  young, for lactation in the future. The smallest you can be will depend on a physical exam. Please find an experienced board certified Plastic surgeon who can examine you and help you with all your concerns. All the best!

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

The answer is , as small as the patient would like as long as there is enough breast tissue to support the functions of the nipples. In general, patients go down to one to two sizes after breast reduction surgery.

Ellen Ozolins, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. If you currently have a size 30H, you could be reduced to a C or D cup, depending on your breast composition and individual goals. If you have more glandular tissue than fat, there are limits to how much can be removed while ensuring adequate blood supply to the nipple. Some surgeons may opt for a smaller size, but it’s important to maintain a natural shape and proper blood flow to the nipple and areola. Your body frame plays a significant role; a very small breast volume could look disproportionate. Ultimately, your surgeon will provide the best recommendation after examining you. Be sure to communicate your goals, and they will tailor the most suitable approach for you!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear emma.gc,

it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.

Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHS · Answer

The smallest you can go with a breast reduction depends on several factors, including your body frame, breast tissue composition, and the surgeon's recommendations. While there's no set "smallest" size, surgeons typically aim for a size that maintains a natural look for your body.

For someone with a 30H, the goal will likely be to reduce the weight and volume of the breasts while considering your overall proportions. Surgeons generally avoid making breasts too small, as they want to avoid compromising the natural shape. In your case, it's realistic that you could go down several cup sizes, possibly to a C, depending on your preferences and the surgeon’s recommendations based on your physical characteristics. While it is technically possible to go smaller, you will want to be proportionate and have a discussion about other considerations (nipple sensation, breastfeeding potential, or other implications of large reductions).

Your size should be discussed during a consultation, where the surgeon will assess factors like skin elasticity, the amount of tissue to be removed, and your desired outcome. It's important to communicate your goals clearly with your surgeon, but they will also guide you toward a size that’s aesthetically balanced for your body.

ABOUT DR. VYAS
Dr. Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHS, is a highly trained plastic surgeon specializing in aesthetic surgery and breast surgery, including breast augmentation, reduction, lifts, and gender-affirming surgery (such as chest masculinization and feminization). With advanced training from institutions like Harvard, Mayo Clinic, and Johns Hopkins, Dr. Vyas is recognized for his expertise in breast and chest sensory nerve restoration. His PhD in clinical and translational science focused on stem cells, fat grafting, and improving outcomes in aesthetic surgery and breast surgery. Dr. Vyas has served on the editorial board for several medical journals and platforms and has over 200 research papers and talks. His research focuses on aesthetic surgery, regenerative medicine, stem cell biology, fat grafting, breast surgery, and gender-affirming surgery. Recognized for his expertise, Dr. Vyas was appointed an Instructor of Surgery at Mayo Clinic and served as an Assistant in Surgery at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital.

Dr. Krishna Vyas, MD, PhD, MHS
Harvard, Johns Hopkins, & Mayo Clinic Educated
Double Fellowship Trained 
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon
New York, New York

Edward Daniele, MD · Answer

Hello,  The point of reference most plastic surgeons will give is we will make them proportional to your chest. There is no way to guess bra size. If you schedule a consultation with a plastic surgeon, they can generally show you a reference by reducing the skin and lifting it on your chest to get a rough estimate of the shape and lift you should expect.

Kevin Brenner, MD, FACS · Answer

Realistic expectations are so important going into breast reduction surgery. I don't ever promise a cup size to anyone, as bra manufacturers and sizes vary so much. The most important thing is that we try to leave you with a breast mound that is proportional to your chest size and diameter. Please keep in mind, that there are limitations to how much you can take off, as we want to be certain that we maintain proper and adequate blood supply to the breast, skin and nipple.

Matthew S. Kilgo, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.
The answer to your question is complicated. The amount of breast tissue able to be removed is better quantified in terms of weight (rather than cup size). Cup size is a subjective measurement and may vary significantly between different bra manufacturers. The amount of breast tissue that can be safely removed depends on the different characteristics of your breasts including the breast width, density of the breast tissue, skin quality and the position of the nipple areolar complex. These factors will also also determine what breast reduction technique can be utilized, which can also have an impact on how much breast tissue can be removed. In order to answer the question you will need to have a physical examination by a plastic surgeon. Even then, the estimated weight of resection does not guarantee a postoperative of cup size. Good luck.

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thanks so much for your inquire,

The smallest size you can achieve after a breast reduction depends on several factors, including your anatomy, the amount of tissue to be removed, and your surgeon’s ability to balance aesthetic goals with maintaining functionality and sensation.

Your surgeon may recommend a size that fits your overall body frame to maintain aesthetic balance. Extremely small reductions could compromise nipple function or sensation.

Always Trust your surgeon’s advice regarding what’s safe and achievable for your body.

Sincerely, 
Dr. Emmanuel Mallol

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