What's a Reasonable Breast Size for a Petite Woman?

Question

I'm 40 years old, 5'1" & 105 lbs with bra size 34D or 32DD, depending on the bra (I'm not even positive about sizing as I've tried tons of bras in many sizes & nothing seems to fit right, although I've done the measurements according to the guides.) I've got very narrow shoulders & my breasts cause me a great deal of discomfort. My primary care doctor and I have determined that I am a good candidate for reduction. I'd like to be a B cup -- is this a reasonable reduction given my size?

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Based on your description of your height and weight a B cup does not sound unreasonable to me.  Pictures would be helpful giving you a better answer to your question.

	Dr. ES

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast reduction surgery. It is one of the most patient pleasing operations we performed.  

	Unfortunately, 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 is very important to communicate your size goals with your surgeon. 

	In my practice, the use of photographs of &ldquo;goal&rdquo; pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. I have found that the use of words such as &ldquo;natural&rdquo; or &ldquo;B cup&rdquo; or "fake looking" 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.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Generally speaking, women with your complaints are quite please with the results of surgery and relief of their complaints. However, it is always easier to remove more than to augment. So I would urge that you be conservative in your goals.

Caroline Min, MD · Answer

At 5'1" and 105 lbs, you are quite petite.  It would be reasonable for you to be a B or a C cup.  During breast reduction surgery, the circulation to the breast skin and nipple must be kept intact when the breast tissue is removed.  This means that there is a limit to how small your surgeon can make your breasts with a reduction.  You should discuss what size you'd like to be with your surgeon beforehand.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

Predicting a cup size after a reduction is quite difficult... and if you can find a surgeon that will guarantee a size, I would suggest you get that in writing so that you won't be responsible for any revisions in the future.  The bottom line, if your breasts are the source of your symptoms, you will be delighted with your results.  If your happiness is dependent on achieving a certain cup size, that could be more difficult to achieve and you should expect the possibility of a revision.

	As for a B cup on your frame, that would be a personal choice/decision.  Your breast could be the volume of a B cup but it may not have the shape you would be happy with. 

	I advise my patients that they have 3 choices in this process when having a reduction... for me to be as conservative as I can (remove the minimums to quality for insurance coverage), to do the procedure as I do (will meet minimums and probably leave you with a small D or generous C cup) or to be as aggressive as I can and leave the smallest mound that I can (results in small C or even a B cup).  This choice can sometimes influence the technique (incisions used) in the reduction procedure.

	Good luck with your surgery.

What's a Reasonable Breast Size for a Petite Woman?

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What's a Reasonable Breast Size for a Petite Woman?

Answers (9)

Answer: Reasonable size for Breast Reduction

Answer: Reasonable size for Breast Reduction

Answer: Breast size after reduction

Answer: Breast size after reduction

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.