Is 36G bra size a large breast size for a 200lb woman and should I consider a breast reduction if I'm having symptoms?

Hello and thank you for your question
You may be a candidate for breast reduction surgery. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Best wishes!

In women who have larger breasts, a breast reduction is a suitable surgical option to decrease the overall size of the breasts while relieving the physical discomforts such as chest pain and back pain. Depending on your examination and what you exactly want, either a breast reduction or a breast reduction with a breast lift also known as "Bellemosa Breast Reduction" can be great options. While a breast reduction focuses on losing volume of the breast, a breast lift focuses on breast shape and overall appearance. Both a breast reduction and lift can significantly move the breast upward to give them more upper pole fullness with their own tissue.

I strongly feel that it's very important to have an honest conversation with your surgeon about your particular situation, lifestyle, work environment and specifically which procedures you're having done so that you both have the most honest answer about your recovery and are realistic with expectations and results.

I would recommend that you see a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area that is a member of both ASPS & ASAPS and performs a lot of short scar breast reductions as well as breast lift surgeries. Good luck with your future surgery!

I hope this helps answer your question. If it does, please take a moment to up vote this answer on the “respond” button on the top right.

At 5’6 and 200 lbs, your BMI is 32, which makes you a suitable candidate for surgery.  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 Tami3761,
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