Is a 32D bra size too small for a breast reduction?

Question

I am an 18 year old weighing 130 lbs with a 32D bra size. My right is clearly bigger than my other and they both sag. (I've been told I'm too young for them to sag this much). My issue with my breasts is that they don't physically hold me back, but they mentally hold me back. For example, I'm so self conscious about them, I've only worn sports bras and t shirts my whole life to cover them up. Is it possible for me to ever get a breast reduction, even though I'm not a particularly "big" size?

Leila Kasrai, MD, FRCSC · Answer

A breast reduction could help even the size of your breasts out, and a breast lift would help make them perkier. The lift and reduction may be performed at the same time. You don’t have to be a particular size to get breast reduction, however the goal would be to achieve a proportionate result.

Jimmy S. Firouz, MD, FACS · Answer

I am sorry to hear that the size of your breasts has been mentally difficult for you. This happens with many young woman, so you are not alone. If you are unhappy with the large size of your breasts, then you should absolutely look more into breast reduction surgery. You also mentioned that you have breast asymmetry, surgery can help correct that as well. Without seeing pictures or examining you in person, it is difficult to give you specific surgical advice. I recommend consulting in person with a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast reduction surgery. You can tell the surgeon what bothers you and what size breasts you would be happy with. After examining you and listening to your goals for surgery, the surgeon will be able to recommend the best course of action for you. Just remember, plastic surgery is all about making YOU feel YOUR BEST! So if breast reduction is something that will make you feel better about yourself, do not let anyone else hold you back. Best of luck!

Terence Michael Myckatyn, MD · Answer

This depends on the rest of your frame, how large you wish to be, and if you intend to have insurance cover this. Insurance companies use algorithms to decide how much to remove based on your height, weight and the size of the breast removed. Usually, >450 g or so needs to be removed to be covered in someone with body mass index under 30, but this can be higher or lower based on the insurance company, your height, supportive documentation and your symptoms. Without seeing your photos, 32D is a size that can be either reduced, reduced a small amount, or lifted depending on what your goals and desired ultimate size is.

Benjamin Van Raalte, MD · Answer

A D cup is not too small to get breast surgery, but it might not be covered by insurance.Insurance determines how much is too be removed not how much is left. A self pay operation can determine how much is left.In addition you must have documented symptoms and usually meet a minimum amount of tissue to be resected.Many patients do not meet those criteria, or want to just go down one cup size, or make themselves more even, or need a lift and slightly smaller. They can have surgery, it just would not be covered by insurance and have to be a self pay. Self pay lifts and reductions start at the $6000 and up  for facility, anesthesia and surgeon.Also remember preapproval does not guarantee coverage or payment, just to proceed. If the proper amount is not removed it can be denied, and very high hospital bills can result.Please see a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

If you are unhappy with the asymmetry and uncomfortable with your breast size you can have a lift and reduction even if the reduction is a relatively small one. The only consideration is insurance coverage for your procedure which is often linked to symptoms of neck strain and overall breast size breast size.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If you want a breast reduction, then you more than likely can have one.  If you are not that large, it is likely that you will not be covered by insurance and therefore would have to self-pay.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

32D is not too small to reduce if you are uncomfortable with the weight on your chest and the psychological consequences of your large breasts. It may be too small, however, to qualify for insurance coverage and breast reduction is an expensive procedure. Your height, which was omitted from the question, is necessary to determine body mass index. Also keep in mind that most insurance carriers set a minimum age of between 19-22.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about your concerns your breast size have caused.  There is no such thing as "too small for breast reduction";  what you will need to carefully consider, as you make your decisions, is whether the downsides associated with the breast reduction procedure are outweighed by the potential benefits. For example, breast reduction/lifting operations are associated with scars on the breasts;  an acceptance of these scars is one of the trade-offs associated with these operations. When the time is right, seek consultation with board-certified plastic surgeons who can demonstrate significant experience helping patients achieve the types of outcomes you would be pleased with. Then, communicate your goals carefully as well. Best wishes.

Is a 32D bra size too small for a breast reduction?

Answers (8)