I wear a size 34DD bra size and I want to reduce to a 34B. Any suggestions?

Thank you for your question. Without and exam or at least pictures, it is hard to give you specific advice regarding your unique situation. However, with a height of 5' 4" and a weight of 125 pounds, it sounds like you have significantly large breasts for your frame. It is very possible that a breast reduction surgery would achieve the results you are looking for. While I never guarantee any cup size because cup sizes can vary and are inaccurate, I think that going from the DD range to the B range is entirely reasonable for a breast reduction. If you are considering having insurance cover this procedure, you would have to meet the criteria for approval from your insurance, which can vary depending on your specific plan. There are historical and medical criteria that must be met, usually in addition to a weight of tissue removed criteria based on your height and weight. My guess would be a removal of around 300-500 grams (0.66-1.1 pounds) of breast tissue per breast. Your best bet would be a to have a consultation with a local plastic surgeon board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery for a consultation. It would also be helpful if that person has significant experience with breast reduction surgery under insurance approval. Very often, breast reduction patients are some of the happiest patients we treat!Best of luck!

A breast reduction will help both with functional problems including Back pain and strain. The cosmetic advantages are fantastic as well. Seek a reduction specialist in your area

Based on your height and weight and current bra size, you may very well be a candidate for a breast reduction that would get you to your desired bra size.  Proper pre-operative evaluation requires a review of your medical history and a detailed physical exam to determine the appropriate surgical approach.  Seek a consultation with a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and you will be able to discuss your expectations and learn what your options are.Best of luck,Keith M. Blechman, MDNew York, NY

as a B cup is quite small, even more so on wider chests.  Bottom line, no one can guarantee a cup size when having a reduction.  I allow my patients to instruct me on whether I should do the normal procedure (results usually C+ or more), be aggressive (C cup or less), or be as conservative as possible (but why are you having this operation then) and have the biggest cups possible, yet meeting your insurance minimums.  You should discuss your concerns with your surgeon and be allowed to direct your surgeon towards the goals you desire.

Thank you for your question and it seems that you are good candidate for a reduction but without photos it is difficult to give you advise.  I would recommend that you get two or three consults so you can get an idea of what you can expect.  I would recommend a board certified plastic surgeon who has done many of these procedures who can guide you through this process.

Thank you for the question. Based on your description, you may be an excellent candidate for breast reduction surgery. This operation tends to be one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform. “Typical” patients who present for breast reduction surgery are women who have disproportionately large breasts, causing problems such as neck/back/shoulder discomfort, postural changes, bra strap grooving, skin irritation/rashes under the breasts, and/or difficulty with activities of daily living and/or exercise etc. There may be both physical as well as psychosocial “stress” caused by the disproportionately large breasts.Reducing breast tissue mass and elevating the breasts on the chest wall tend to improve or alleviate many of the symptoms associated with the disproportionately large breasts.
Patients considering breast reduction surgery should also consider the potential downsides (risks/complications) associated with the procedure as well. Poor scarring, for example may be associated with the procedure. Additional surgery may be necessary in the short or longer term for a multitude of reasons.When the time is right, I suggest that you seek consultation with well experienced plastic surgeons who can demonstrate significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you would be pleased with. I would suggest 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. Ask to see lots of examples of his/her work so you feel comfortable that he/she can achieve the outcome you are looking for. 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. For example, “B cup” or “proportionate" may mean different things to different people, and therefore may be a source of miscommunication. In other words, 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. Also, keep in mind that removal of a certain amount of tissue does not necessarily correspond to the achievement of a specific cup size. I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to breast reduction concerns) helps. Best wishes.

Thank you for your question.  It is impossible to precisely determine a size outcome but I would probably be thinking if you are my patient that a B cup is too small a goal to strive for.  The reason is that I would be fearful of you lacking projection and shape with that small volume.  Aiming for a C cup to a full C cup is generally the target that my patients select although there are exceptions and you may be one of them.  Good luck with your decision.
Jon A Perlman M.D., FACS
Diplomate, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society for Aesthetic Plastic
Surgery (ASAPS)
Beverly Hills, California

You will need to see a consultant regarding a breast reduction. You may have to pay for the surgery unless there is over 500 grams of tissue to be removed on each side, the average most insurance companies want to see. But be clear in your understanding that no surgeon can make a specific size to order.