Can I get a breast reduction from a 36DDD/36E to a 36A?

The answer is that you can go about as small as you want to but the breast shape you can achieve may not be as aesthetic as if you stayed a little larger. Most surgeons are pretty reluctant to reduce a breast beyond what they consider to be a size at which they can get a good result. Some patients will say things like “I really don’t care about the shape or the appearance or the scars as long as you get the size down and relieve my back pain.” This can be somewhat reassuring to the surgeon but you need to honestly ask yourself if these things are true. A patient who is disappointed that they weren’t reduced as much as they would like is a disappointment for the surgeon too but a patient who’s got over-reduced and un-feminine looking breasts is a disaster.

Although plastic surgeons hesitate to reference bra cup sizes because of the wide variation between bra manufacturers, very large breasts rarely are reduced by more than two or three cup sizes. Schedule an in-office consultation with an American Board of Plastic Surgery board certified plastic surgeon who performs hundreds of breast procedures each year. You and your PS should discuss your optimal goals for the size of your breasts and reach consensus on what is best for your overall anatomy, life style, ego, and contours.
Kenneth Hughes, MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Los Angeles, CA

Dear itsme_G,If you are considering a surgery, 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

Of course. Final size is determined by consultation your plastic surgeon. You. do, however, need to agree on your understanding of what an A cup is. Bra manufacturers are inconsistent. A reduction of the size you mentioned Is common. A plastic surgeon experienced in breast reduction surgery should have no problem achieving what you wish.

is nearly an impossibility unless you are willing to have a free nipple graft and a near mastectomy.  Yes, you are the patient, and you should get a say in what you want.  And as unreasonable as yours is, if your motivations are deemed true and there is no ulterior motive, you should be able to try to get what you want.  So discuss your goals with your surgeon and see if you can find one that is willing to help you achieve your goals and not just a reduction.

It sounds from your description that you are an excellent candidate for a breast reduction, and I recommend that you see an experienced Board Certified plastic surgeon for a discussion of the degree of reduction and your expectations following your surgery.  I would be happy to see you in my office, and I'm sure my peers here in Santa Barbara would consult with you as well.Best wishes, Dr. L

There are a variety of procedures for breast reduction. All have in common the goal of reducing breast volume, while improving overall shape, and maintaining the viability of the nipple and areola. With large volume reductions, there is always the risk of diminishing the blood supply to the nipple and areola, with the potential for partial or complete loss. There is a procedure known as a Free Nipple Graft, which is designed to avoid this outcome in extremely large reductions.I completely understand your frustration with your present breast size. However, it is very important to balance your goals with a procedure that is safe, and one that does not compromise your aesthetic result. I recommend that you have a complete consultation with a board-certified Plastic Surgeon in your local area. All the best to you.Dr. B

It is a popular misconception that surgeons can reduce a patient to a specific cup size, but that is not true. Go ing from your size to an A cup would amount to a breast amputation and the results would not be what you think - they would be very unattractive.