I am 5'1", 159 lbs, 36DD or 34DDD at times. Is a 34 B appropriate or a C?

From your description it seems as if you are a good candidate for breast reduction. Unfortunately, each insurance company has their own criteria. Large breasts (macromastia) or breast hypertrophy can occur in a variety of conditions (family trait, post pregnancy, excessive adolescent growth). In general when the excessive breast size causes functional problems, insurance will generally pay for the operation if more than 400 – 500 grams are removed from each breast dependent on your individual insurance company requirements. These problems may include neck pain, back or shoulder pain, hygiene difficulty, and breast pain. Other problems which are less likely to be covered by insurance include skin irritation, skeletal deformity, breathing problems, psychological/emotional problems, and interference with normal daily activities. Pre-authorization by the insurance company is required prior to surgery, and the process takes approximately one month. Each insurance policy has different guidelines and exclusions.This procedure is commonly covered by insurance through insurance criteria are becoming more and more restrictive. Although we do not accept insurance, our staff will assist you in obtaining pre-authorization so that you can attempt to be reimbursed for out of pocket expenses

Determining how much tissue to remove requires an in person exam. The goal with any breast reduction surgery is to give you smaller breasts that are still proportional to your body frame. I would suggest that you schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area (link below) to discuss. Best, Dr. Nazarian

It sounds as though you would benefit from breast reduction surgery. Most women with larger breasts also experience a host of medical issues related to the size of their breasts. These problems may include neck pain, back or shoulder pain, hygiene difficulty, and breast pain. Fortunately, when the excessive breast size causes functional problems, insurance will generally pay for the operation if more than 400 – 500 grams are removed from each breast. Of course this is dependent on your individual insurance company requirements. By reducing the size of the breast tissue, you can eliminate some of the medical complications listed above, reduce sleeping difficulties, increase your likelihood of finding clothing that fits and improve self image. Ultimately the size you choose to reduce your breast to, is up to you! The best place to start is by making an appointment with a Board Certified plastic surgeon. They can make suggestions and guide you through the process. Good Luck!3plastic surgery #breast reduction #breast size

Thanks for your question. Sounds like you are an excellent candidate for a breast reduction. The amount of breast tissue you are left with is often a function of how much is necessary to safely supply the nipple areolar complex with blood flow. For that reason it can be difficult to achieve a B cup. Communicating with your surgeon that you would like to be "as small as possible" is important or vice versa. Use the Smart Beauty Guide to find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon in your area to help you with your options. Best of Luck!

Thank you for your question.  Without photos or more importantly, an in-person evaluation, it is nearly impossible to tell you what would be appropriate for you to look proportionate.  Please be seen in person by a board certified plastic surgeon who is an expert in the breast reduction procedure.All the best,Dr. ResultsMiami, FL

Thank you for the question and congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast reduction surgery; this operation tends to be one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform.
There is no direct correlation between the amount of tissue removed and the ultimate cup size that a patient will wear after breast reduction surgery.
Before undergoing the breast reduction procedure it will be very important to communicate your size goals with your surgeon. Most patients wish to achieve enough of a reduction to help with their symptoms while remaining proportionate with the remainder of their torso. With the goal of improving communication with my patients I find the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) very helpful. I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or “B or C cup” means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful. Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate.
Best wishes with your breast reduction procedure; hopefully you will be very pleased with the outcome of the procedure performed.