Is a 34D cup size too small for a Breast reduction?

Breast reduction surgery is appropriate for anybody who
feels that their breasts are larger than they would like, particularly if it is
causing back, neck or shoulder issues. Cup size is variable from patient to
patient, and one patient with a D-cup breast can look much larger than another
with the same “bra size”. Particularly in a very petite patient like yourself,
a D-cup can be uncomfortable and, as you noted, it gets in the way of exercise
and fitting properly in clothes. I think a breast reduction surgery would be a
very good thing for you to have, as it would likely correct all of these
issues. The tradeoff is that you would require scars on the breasts in exchange
for lifting and tightening of the breasts. The one exception would be if your
breast shape is already ideal a good portion of the fullness of the breast is
due to fat, a liposuction reduction can be performed with very small incisions.
Most women who need a breast reduction are not great
candidates for liposuction and reduction and generally a true breast reduction
with tightening of the skin and resection of excess tissue is needed. Although
there are scars, patients are generally extremely happy with the improvement in
their appearance as well as the resolution of their back, neck and shoulder
discomfort.

Candidates for #BreastReduction surgery are women who wish to have smaller #breasts to achieve a more proportional appearance or to alleviate physical discomfort. Breast reduction can correct symptoms from excessively #largeheavybreasts that may cause the inability to do certain exercises, or create back, shoulder and neck pain, poor posture, bra-strap shoulder indentations and chafing or rashes under the breasts. Women experiencing these discomforts may benefit from Breast Reduction, also called #ReductionMammoplasty. Furthermore, large breasts may interfere with normal daily activities or exercise and will be more comfortable when reduced. Women who feel that their excessive breast size decreases a sense of attractiveness and self-confidence, or results in unwanted attention are also candidates.

Thank you for your question.  Unfortunately without photos or more importantly, an in-person evaluation, it is nearly impossible to tell what would be best for you.  Based on your description alone though, it sounds as though you would benefit from a breast reduction.  Please be seen in person by a board-certified plastic surgeon to determine what would be best for you.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Hello,Breast reduction is a surgery that can be performed on many breast sizes, not just very large breasts.  Go see a few ABPS certified/ASAPS member surgeons that specialize in breast surgery.Best of luck!

If you are disproportionately large breasted and uncomfortable, then yes, you are likely a great candidate for a breast reduction. I have done many cases in your age group with similar size changes, and the women are so happy with the outcome. 

Thank you for your question and I am sorry to hear of the issues that your breasts are causing. All women are essentially candidates for a breast reduction if they want to reduce their overall breast size, but what is unknown is whether your insurance plan would cover the procedure as "medically necessary."  I would first check with your insurance plan to see if they cover reductions at all, and if they do, obtain the criteria that they use for coverage.  Insurance companies typically will require 3-6 months worth of documentation from your primary care provider of breast-related symptoms (rashes, neck/back pain, and shoulder grooving), and treatment failures (weight loss, physical therapy), that have led you to pursue surgery. If approved, the insurance companies will determine either a fixed amount of breast tissue, or an amount proportional to a patient’s height, that needs to be removed in order to have the operation covered.  See a board certified plastic surgeon, they can help you file the necessary paperwork with your insurance company.  

The criteria for breast reduction is pain: pain in the shoulders, grooving left from bra straps, pain in the back and neck area, and headaches.  The quantity is completely relative. Cup size doesn't really indicate the quantity of breast tissue nor the amount to be removed. This is determined by the Schnur scale, a ratio of body surface area (height and weight) to a proportionate amount of breast tissue to be removed.  Most insurance companies go by this scale or are amenable to using it.  Given how petite you are, a very small amount of tissue would be required to be removed for insurance to cover it, so if you are having pain, I suggest you seek out a board certified plastic surgeon for a thorough consultation.  Best of luck to you!

Patients with upper neck and back pain due to large breasts
are the best candidates for breast reduction surgery. This procedure is very effective in relieving
these symptoms and reducing the size of the breasts.The nipple is also lifted into the correct
position, which gives the breast a more youthful look.Insurance coverage is variable and differs
among carriers, but most breast reduction procedures are covered by insurance.It is difficult to know what size bra you will be after
breast reduction surgery as bra size is different between brands of bras.It is better to think about a size range that
you would like to be after surgery- think in terms of B-C, or C-D.I usually have my patients think about the
size range that they would like to be, and then ask if they would rather be on
the smaller or larger size within that range.Occasionally, patients find it helpful to buy a bra in their desired
post-operative size to demonstrate their goal size.

Your question is valid and you can have a reduction but you may have not fully matured and you may get larger.  Some women don't reach their adult fullness until their early 20's but if this is a problem for you now you could get a reduction but insurance coverage may be difficult.  I would speak to a board certified plastic surgeon who can guide you through this decision so you can fully understand what is involved with a reduction.

Plastic surgery is a very personal decision and process - everyone has a different starting point and a very individualized goal.  The same goes for breast reduction - although many women who undergo breast reduction may have a larger starting breast size, what matters is how your breasts fit your frame and lifestyle.  It sounds like your breasts have created a number of issues for you in terms of comfort and confidence, which may make you an excellent candidate for a procedure to make your breasts a more proportional and manageable size.Talk to a few board-certified plastic surgeons to address your concerns, particularly about your desired end result.  You may also want to ask their thoughts on how your results will be affected as you get older or if your weight changes, and what will happen if you want to get pregnant or breastfeed in the future.Hope this is helpful, and best of luck on your journey.Dr. Lim