Is it realistic to go from a 32I to a 32B or C?

Thank you for your pictures and questions. I think that based on your pictures, you would be a great candidate for breast reduction surgery. The conversation regarding cup size is sometimes not a helpful conversation because cup size is no standard and depends on where you shop and what types of bras you wear. With a breast reduction, your goal is to reduce the overall size of the breast, make the areola smaller, and change the position of the breast mound. In regards to size, the goal should be something that fits your frame. There is a range of what is possible with reduction because you have to take enough tissue to reduce the size but you also have to leave enough tissue to keep blood supply to the nipple. Just let your surgeon know that you want to be as small as safely possible. Communication of your goals and expectations with your surgeon will help to assure you get the best result possible.Hope this helps! 

Thank you for the question. 









 



 It is possible to reduce the breasts size very significantly. The concern with the amount of tissue removed is related to blood flow to the remaining tissue; if too much tissue is removed in one operation the blood flow to the remaining tissue (including nipple/areola) may be compromised. Part of the tissue that is left in place is called the “pedicle"; this segment of tissue is responsible for delivering the blood supply to the nipple/areola tissue. If the pedicle is made too small (in the effort to reduce the breasts as much as possible) then patient will likely have problems with tissue survival.  











For most patients in your situation, we have been able to decrease the breast size very significantly and achieve the patient's desired outcome with one operation.  Sometimes, a two-stage approach will allow for safe reduction and achievement of the patients' "very small" desired outcome.  Much of course depends on the patient's starting anatomy and carefully communicated goals.















My best suggestion: seek consultation with board-certified plastic surgeons who can demonstrate significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you will be pleased with. This careful selection of plastic surgeon will be the most important decision you make.



Before undergoing the breast reduction procedure it will be very important to communicate your size goals with your surgeon. Most patients wish to achieve a enough of a reduction to help with their symptoms while remaining proportionate with the remainder of their torso. I suggest that you do not communicate your goals in terms of achieving a specific cup size. For example, a “B or C cup” may mean different things to different people and therefore may be a source of miscommunication. In my practice, I ask patients to communicate their goals with the help of goal photographs.



I hope this, and the attached link/video, helps. Best wishes.

There's a possibility that small breast cup could be done but you might be looking at free nipple grafts. This allows more aggressive size reduction without the creating of internal flaps or pedicles that leave volume behind. Speak with a board certified plastic surgeon about your goals and options.Good luck, Dr. Aldo