26, 38G breast - how small can I go and will I still be able to breastfeed? (Photos)

Question

I wanna know how small I can go from 38G with breast reduction and lifting, is it gonna be possible to see under my boobs after surgery? And will I need FNG to be C cup? Will I be able to breastfeed? And for armpit fat can I get rid of that fat while breast reduction or liposuction will be needed? Plus I’m 5”3 and 150 pounds. Should I lose weight before surgery?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Plucky358632,

breast reduction is best suited for women who wish to decrease the size of their breasts. While there are different techniques used to perform this surgery, I prefer the vertical incision (lollipop pattern) breast reduction technique instead of the anchor scar pattern, which reduces more noticeable scarring than usual. I also use a SAFE liposuction technique to reduce additional fat around the stubborn axilla area and bra line. This way, my patients are achieving beautiful results with minimal incisions which reduces downtime and delivers an overall better breast shape long term.
If you are considering breast reduction surgery, you should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options and make sure your surgeon understands your goals. 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

George Marosan, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos. You are a good candidate for a breast reduction/lift surgery. At the same time I would liposuction the lateral chest wall and armpit to shape the breasts laterally. You will not need a free nipple graft. Should maintain normal nipple sensation, but the possibility of future breast feeding might be impaired. Some of the breast ducts are removed with the surgery. Some women are not able to breast feed with or without any surgery to the breasts. I use the Vectra 3D in my practice to estimate the breast volume and also simulate the reduction and expected results. See a board certified plastic surgeon for an in person consultation/evaluation. Good luck.

Jeremy S. Nikfarjam, MD · Answer

All good questions!
1. Breastfeeding- the milk ducts are not touched during this procedure.  That being said, no one can tell you whether or not you'll be able to breastfeed in the future. Some women simply aren't able to successfully breast feed with or without having had breast surgery.

2. Anchor scar pattern- you most likely will not be able to see that scar under the breast

3. C Cup may not be realistic for you without compromising blood supply.  But that can only be determined by your surgeon!

4.  The axillary areas may improve with the breast reduction as that skin and tissue is pulled forward, but your surgeon can advise exactly how much and if you'd be satisfied with that.

5.  You don't need to lose weight, but if you WANT to lose weight it's best to do so before surgery rather than afterwards as any weight fluctuations after surgery will impact your results.

Good luck!

Sameer Karkhanis, MS, DNB · Answer

Hello. You are the ideal candidate for formal breast reduction surgery. It will be possible to achieve your desired size without a FNG. During the surgery, excess of axillary fat will be taken care of. By preserving the nerves and ducts the breast feeding potential if usually maintained in our patients. However, you will  require a consultation by a Plastic Surgeon to comment on the same.
Thank you,

Regards,
Dr Abhishek Dhakad

James N. Romanelli, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Plucky

Great questions. From 38G you can go down to a C cup, and yes, you should be able to see the underside of your breasts after surgery. Whether you need a free nipple graft (FNG) depends on how much tissue is removed and your specific anatomy, especially the distance from sternal notch to your nipples.....most reductions to C don't require FNG, but your surgeon will assess this. Breastfeeding after reduction is possible but not guaranteed, and not at all possible with FNG. Armpit fat can often be addressed with liposuction during your breast reduction. At 5'3" and 150 lbs, you're at a reasonable weight....I'd suggest maintaining where you are rather than delaying surgery to lose more.

Best of Luck, Dr. Jim Romanelli

Laura Roider, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing photos. It is possible to go from a 38G to a C/D cup without performing a Free Nipple Graft. However, please remember that bra sizing is not consistent and across brands and as surgeons we can NOT guarantee a cup size. I would recommend talking with your surgeon about your goals. 
As for breast feeding, if you have a traditional breast reduction (w/o free nipple graft) it is possible to breast feed after surgery. However this is not guaranteed.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The technique I recommend is Bellesoma. This 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 (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained. No free nipple graft is needed using this technique.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Muge Sevindik, MD · Answer

Yes, I definitely recommend a breast reduction and lift for you. In this surgery, we can reduce your breasts to a C cup size using an inverted T-shaped scar. After this surgery, there is an 80% probability that you will be able to breastfeed. We generally do not damage your milk glands, and we can perform armpit liposuction simultaneously. This allows us to achieve a nice contour and transition in that area. There is no need for you to lose weight before the surgery; it can be successfully performed as you are.

Finny George, MD · Answer

Hi, thank you for sharing your question. You are a great candidate for a breast reduction with a lift and can achieve your desired size without a FNG. Removal of axillary fat can be done at the same time. Breastfeeding is variable after surgery and is difficult to predict.

Karl William Schwarz, MD · Answer

The short answer is yes you can go from a G to a C with a breast reduction. I don't think you should even be thinking about a Free Nipple Graft (FNG). FNG's do not give a very good nipple areola complex (flat, uneven pigment) after surgery, and leaves you with a non-functioning (no breast feeding), insensate (no feeling) nipple areolar complex and it is not necessary for you to achieve your goals.

A breast reduction will give you a significantly smaller, higher breast. Your breast will be off of your abdomen and have a rounder, fuller shape with a smaller size and you will be able to breast feed and keep your nipple sensation.

Weight loss will not play a factor as most likely your breasts are dense and heavy because of the breast tissue and breast tissue is not changed with weight loss.

26, 38G breast - how small can I go and will I still be able to breastfeed? (Photos)

Answers (11)

More Breast Reduction Questions

Can I (5'9, 155lbs) reduce from a 34C to an A or smaller?

40 yrs. old, 100 lb. weight loss. Breast reduction, lift, auto augmentation?(Photos)

D cup to B cup - Is it possible to have a breast reduction with implants? (Photos)

Sagging cleavage post-reduction - can this be fixed? (Photos)

Am i a good candidate for another reduction? (Photos)

Can you combine a hysterectomy with breast reduction and abdominoplasty together?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS