How much can a cup size be reduced to during a breast reduction (J to A/B)?

There's no simple answer to this question because cup size is a very inconsistent way to measure breast size. Breast reductions are measured by the weight of tissue removed, but cup size relates to chest circumference, breast width, and volume. Going to an A cup from a very large cup size would leave a very unattractive breast in cases where the chest is wide.

Thanks for your question. It is difficult to predict cup sizes post-operatively as it is dependent on a number of factors and not just volume (chest circumference and projection).
The limiting factors in terms of how small we are able to make your breasts following a breast reduction are:- the amount of tissue that needs to be left behind in order to ensure that the nipple has an adequate blood supply - the amount of tissue required to make an aesthetically pleasing breast shape.
In some cases where very significant size changes are desired, such as the one you are suggesting, then it may be possible to use a technique such as nipple grafting to achieve the desired outcome, but this may also be at the expense of a natural appearance to the breast.

It is not true that a breast can only be reduced by 1 to 2 cup sizes. Going down from a J cup to an A cup is not realistic since this amounts to such a huge amount of tissue to be removed that an aesthetically pleasing breast shape may not be achieved since it almost amounts to a mastectomy.
When a breast is reduced the nipple needs to remain attached to a pedicle in order to keep the nipple alive. This pedicle will constitute part of the volume of the breast which may be significant.
In general cup size cannot be guaranteed but a significant reduction can be achieved. Usually somewhere in the region of a C cup is realistic since it allows some tissue which can be reshaped to provide a nice shape.

Dear Awesome778110
Many thanks for your question. As a general rule each cup size translated to about 120- 250 gr of breast tissue. This figure is based on different studies and experience of different surgeons. In reality, It is not how much the surgeon removes that dictates the shape it is how much we leave behind. As a surgeon, I design a nice shape breast and remove the excess tissues and then we weigh it in operating theatre. A surgeon never starts the breast reduction surgery thinking about a set weight of tissue to be removed. Regarding reducing a J cup to A/B, it might be technically possible but it usually does not give you a good shape. The reason for that is that women with large breasts usually have wide breast as well. If you reduce a wide breast too much, they lose projection and would look line to flat breasts which are not aesthetically nice. A plastic surgeon can asses you during a consultation and explain to you what type of results you could expect and also show you some examples with photographs. I hope you find this explanation helpful.

Thank you for your question.
Without any photos or an examination, it is difficult to say. I would recommend meeting with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and concerns.

The breast reduction surgery removes excess skin and breast tissues to give you breast size proportionate to your frame. The amount of tissue taken out depends of excess treats tissues you have. in large reduction , significant amount of tissues are taken out while in smaller reduction 12 cup sizes are taken out. the surgeon will give you an idea on your condition after examination. Generally B to c cup sizes are suitable on frame when someone is looking for going very small. you can see more previous pictures to give you more idea

It would not be advantageous to go from a J to an A or B. The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This will reduce and reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. The weight of the breast is transferred to the underlying pectoralis major muscle resulting in pain relief without excessive reduction. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Dear Awesome778110,
breast reduction is best suited for women who wish to decrease the size of their breasts. While there are different techniques used to perform this surgery, I prefer the vertical incision (lollipop pattern) breast reduction technique instead of the anchor scar pattern, which reduces more noticeable scarring than usual. I also use a SAFE liposuction technique to reduce additional fat around the stubborn axilla area and bra line. This way, my patients are achieving beautiful results with minimal incisions which reduces downtime and delivers an overall better breast shape long term.If you are considering breast reduction surgery, you should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options and make sure your surgeon understands your goals. 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

Hi Awesome 778110,It all depends on the shape of your breasts and the proportion of your actual chest. I perform regularly breasts reduction using the vertical scar technique in very large breasts and it is possible to go down many more sizes than just 2 cup sizes. However, going drown from a J cup to a D/DD cup is more realistic if you want to keep your nipples attached. I hope this is helpful advice.

The breast reduction must first and foremost preserve the blood supply to the nipple. In order to maintain that blood flow, a certain amount of tissue must be left behind to carry the blood vessels. This will limit the size of the reduction. You also don't want to look disproportional - most plastic surgeons will want to make sure the breasts fit your frame as well. If you truly want to go down from a large J cup to a small A cup, sometimes a free nipple graft is considered, but this doesn't always work, could have changes in pigmentation, will have no sensation, and certainly no ability to breast feed.