Is it possible to have a breast reduction and go from a Double D to a B?

Question

Im a 17 year old girl, 5'1 123 pounds and my cup size is 34 double d. I dont think a girl my size should have boobs that big, it feels like my boobs are basically taking up half of my body. I feel like I am becoming really selfconcious because of them, i cry whenever i see pictures of myself in a bathing suit or when i look at my boobs in front of a mirror, I just want to know if I could get breast reduction and go from a double d to a b cup, I feel as though a b cup is ideal for me.

Gregory C. Gaines, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear that you're going through a tough time right now. Please don't allow your current dissatisfaction with your breasts to cause you to rush into any surgical procedure prematurely. Prior to undergoing any reduction surgery, it would be ideal for your breast size to be stable (for your breasts to be done growing). This avoids the possibility of having to undergo a second reduction at some, potentially not-too-distant point in the future. Also, regarding your stated goal of changing bra cup sizes, from a DD to a B cup; this can be problematic for both you and your surgeon, since what constitutes a "DD" or a "B cup"  varies considerably from one bra manufacturer to the next. For this reason, speaking with your surgeon about a goal cup size may conjure up one picture in your mind, but a completely different picture for him/her. In this case, what I find most useful is to have my patients bring in pictures of the size of breast they'd like to have post-operatively, preferably on a woman whose frame/torso is similarly proportioned to your own. With such photos, the likelihood of being able to reduce your breasts down to a similar size could be more accurately discussed. Lastly, remember that, unless you are an emancipated minor, your parents will need to be involved in this process as well (as you will need their consent to proceed with any non-emergent surgical procedure), which in most cases is not only the law, but also makes good sense.

Jose Perez-Gurri, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi and thanks for your question. I hear your frustration and pain.As far as your age it certainly sounds like you could benefit greatly. I recently performed a breast reduction on an 18 year old. It's probably the most rewarding breast surgery that I perform. The patients are so grateful. You are young and the situation will only get worse for you. The other questions you need to ask, ( which I am sure your mom has) is "Will my beasts contiunue to grow? What happens when I have kids? How big will my breasts get? Will I be able to breast feed? ". These are all questions I like to address with the patient and her mom or parents. It's usually the mom who accompanies young women considering this surgery.I would encourage you to make an appointment with your parents. I am located in Miami and my consutations are complimentary. Always seek out the opinion of a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery with years of experience in cosmetic breast surgery. Furthermore request to see before and after photos of previous patients by that doctor....not a clinic or surgery center. Do your homework......research and verify the doctor's credentials. Have they had problems with the Board of Medicine, disciplinary or otherwise. Any law suits?How about the center, clinic or facility? Are they accredited by a national organization or do they just have State approval. Understand that at the current time, there are three nationally recognized organizations responsible for the highest levels of patient safety, AAAASF, AAACH and JCHO. You owe it to yourself to position yourself for the best possible results but under the most stringent safety regulations, If you have kids, even more so.How about anesthesia? Will you have a medical doctor certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology or a certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA)? Understand that there is no substitute for research. Cosmetic surgery, no matter how simple it may be to the patients, are invasive procedures and as such carry certain risks and complications.In our office we use TouchMD which is a web based program in which patients have the ability to load their picture unto the program. We accomodate patinets from as far away as California. I then evaluate them and can actually draw on the picture to show a potential patient where the incisions would be located and how the procedure is to be realized. It's all done to comply with HIPPA which is the federal law that protects the patient's medical information. Look them up.Good luck. Dr. PG

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear about your situation. Even though it is always best to wait until the breasts reach their final growth and stay stable for at least a year-- there are some situations when the surgery can be performed earlier. Make sure to bring your parents with you- should you decide to schedule your consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.

Frederick G. Weniger, MD, FACS, MBA · Answer

It is very possible to go from a DD to a B.  At the age of 17, though, you really have to do the consult with your parent and have their consent.  Breast reductions can really help young girsl, though.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Maybe but NO posted photos! Best to seek ONLY IN PERSON opinions from boarded Plastic Surgeons...////

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the problems you are experiencing. At some point, you may be an excellent candidate for breast reduction surgery.  Generally speaking, the “ideal” patient for breast reduction surgery is one who presents with relatively large breasts in proportion to the remainder of her torso.  These patients often present with neck, back, shoulder discomfort, bra strap grooving, postural changes, and occasionally with rashes/infections. This operation tends to be one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform.
  Your next step may be in-person consultation with well experienced board certified plastic surgeons.  Ask to see lots of examples of their work and make sure you feel comfortable with the quality and consistency of the work performed. During these consultations, you may be able to see other patients ( similar to yourself) who have undergone breast reduction surgery.
Ultimately,  you will need to decide whether the “pros” ( benefits) of breast reduction surgery outweigh the potential “cons” ( potential risk/complications).  You may find the attached link helpful to you as you educate yourself about the pros/cons of the breast reduction procedure.
Then, it will be important that you communicate your goals clearly with your plastic surgeon and make sure that you have realistic expectations prior to proceeding with any type of surgery. In regards to breast size desired, also communicate carefully. In my practice the use of goal pictures are helpful in this regard; a discussion of cup size can be confusing and imprecise.   Therefore, I would not suggest that you communicate your goals and/or base your satisfaction with the outcome of surgery on achieving a specific cup size.
 I also find that the use of pictures is more helpful than the words “natural” or "proportionate” or "B cup" etc., which can mean different things to different people.
Many of my patients choose to have enough breast tissue removed to help alleviate symptoms while retaining enough breast tissue to remain proportionate to the remainder of  bare torso.
 I hope this, and the attached link, helps.

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