Breast Reduction - how small can I go?

Question

I'm not sure what my extract bra size is but my breasts are large, probably an E cup, if not larger and I'd like to go down to a 32B/34A cup, is that possible? My breasts are also very saggy. I am 5'7 and weigh about 120lbs. I just can't deal with their size any longer, I dance ballet and the breasts are just constantly in the way and cause me terrible back aches. any advice would be highly appreciated. Thank you!

Jose M. Soler-Baillo, MD, MS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I recommend that you be seen in person by a board certified plastic surgeon to determine what would be best for you moving forward.  Also, please be sure to clearly voice your surgical goals with the surgeon so that you can have a realistic expectation of what to expect from surgery.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Ercan Karacaoglu, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Dear ElizabethdarLiterally, there is no limit. You can go as small as A cup. But this will not be a satisfactory result as your body proportions will not fit with that. Planning your breast size based on the width of your breast and some other body proportions is the key.Best wishes

Jeffrey A. Sweat, MD · Answer

Based on your height and weight, it does sound as though your breasts are very large for you body and given your activity and symptoms, you very likely would benefit from a breast reduction and would be very pleased with the results.  There are some limitations inherent in the surgery that limit how small you can go, but you should be able to achieve a much smaller and more proportional size for your frame and activity level.  An exam in person with an experienced plastic surgeon would be the best place to start.  Best of luck!

Dallas Buchanan, MD · Answer

In discussing what size to reduce the breast to, my answer to patients is always "smaller." Now I don't mean to sound flippant, but the goal of this surgery is to reduce your breasts to a size that is compatible with your frame and body type while primarily reducing them enough to help relieve some of the symptomology that led to you pursuing breast reduction in the first place. As most women know, a discussion of cup size depends only on where you bra shop, because a 34C from one store can be completely different from a 34C in another store. It can be a good idea to tell a surgeon in what range you want to be because that will give him or her an idea, but no surgeon can guarantee any certain bra size going into surgery. Have the surgery, then go get a bra fitting afterward.In performing breast surgery, there is a range that can be achieved safely. If you take too much of the tissue then it can compromise the blood supply to the remaining portions of the breast. If you do not take enough tissue, then the closure can have too much tension and the symptoms may not be relieved. In the end, you need to discuss with your surgeon what your goals and expectations for surgery are. If you want to be as small as possible, then tell your surgeon that. They should be able to discuss with you how much of the breast tissue they think they can safely take without compromising the safety of the operation. I feel that most surgeons would feel comfortable reducing you as much as they can without compromising the results, but I do not think anyone can guarantee you any certain size.Hope this helps!

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

During a breast reduction plastic surgeons reduce the breasts to fit the frame of the patient.  During the course of the surgery to meet that goal we have to make sure there is adequate circulation for healing when a very large reduction is performed.

Stuart A. Linder, MD, FACS · Answer

You can go significantly smaller with a breast reduction. Seek a Board certified plastic surgeon that specializes in breast surgery

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about the problems your disproportionately large breasts cause. Based on your description, you may be a good candidate for breast reduction surgery. This operation tends to be one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform.  When the time is right, I would suggest that you seek consultation with well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons who can demonstrate significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you will be pleased with.

Then it will be important that you communicate your goals clearly with your plastic surgeon and make sure that you have realistic expectations prior to proceeding with any type of surgery.

In regards to breast size desired, also communicate carefully. In my practice the use of goal pictures are helpful in this regard; a discussion of cup size can be confusing and imprecise. Therefore, I would not suggest that you communicate your goals and/or base your satisfaction with the outcome of surgery on achieving a specific cup size.  For example, a "C or D cup" may mean different things to different people.  I also find that the use of pictures is more helpful than the words “natural” or "proportionate” etc., which can (again) mean different things to different people. Many of my patients choose to have enough breast tissue removed to help alleviate symptoms while retaining enough breast tissue to remain proportionate to the remainder of bare torso. Again, preoperative communication will be critical.   I hope this, and the attached link, helps. Best wishes.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

and to achieve an aesthetic A cup is nearly impossible.  Its best to see a local BCPS who can help guide you through what results you can expect and to help you determine if its something you would really want to do or not.

Craig Harrison, MD · Answer

Breast cup size is determined by the width of your breast and not the volume of breast your breast.  Your surgeon can make your breasts usually as small as you would like but there are trade offs which should be understood preop. Visit with a local board certified plastic surgery for a consultation.  Best wishes

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for your question and the simple answer is YES but an examination is needed so see some experts in your areaDr Corbin

Breast Reduction - how small can I go?

Answers (10)

More Breast Reduction Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (10)

More Breast Reduction Questions

After having a breast reduction, can I sit in the sun as long as my breasts are covered?

Is it common to have chest acne after a breast reduction? (Photo)

How do I get my underage daughter breast reduction surgery? (Medi Cal)

What determines the nipple size the patient ends up with?

What doctor should I ask about a breast reduction? My primary care doctor, or my OB/BYN?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS