My bra size is 42F. My breasts are quite saggy and long. What is the smallest bra size I can get down to? (Photo)

I tell all my patients that you have to leave enough tissue to keep blood supply to the nipple and the skin flaps.  Based on your pictures I think  a C cup (keeping in mind that all bras fit differently, and I personally never promise a cup size)  might be unlikely.  A D-DD cup is probably more realistic.  Talk to a surgeon who can show you pictures of a realistic result for you.  Regardless of postoperative cup size you should feel and look tremendously better.  Good luck, Jane 

You state that you are a 42 F and want to be a 42 B.  A 42 B is a very small breast and may not be proportionate to your body.  I recommend is The Bellesoma Method.  This technique 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 and the ability to breast feed are maintained.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.   

Dear Bj.Logan,it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. 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

Thank you for your question and pictures, yes it is possible to reduce breast size significantly you seem to be a great candidate for this procedure an in person consultation would be best for a detailed exam and evaluation. Always see a board certified PS.

BJ, I think a C cup is a very reasonable goal. I think it will still look proportional with your body and help relieve upper back/neck symptoms (if you are experiencing them). I would be concerned a B cup would be too small for your body. Good luck on your weight loss and eventual surgery. You will be thrilled with the results!
Dr. Luong

Congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast reduction surgery; it is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform.
 
Yes, 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. 
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 “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 helps.  Best wishes.

Plastic surgeons think of the procedure much differently than patients. A patient wants to know how much tissue can be taken away. Surgeons think about how much they have to leave behind for blood flow and hopefully nerve supply. Going as small as you can still means leaving quite a bit behind. A significant reduction for you would probably be something around a D cup "look". No experienced surgeon will ever tell you what bra size you will wear.