Breast Reduction Advice - options, realistic expectations? (Photos)

Dear jmacsweeney100

Friends and family are entitled to their opinions but don't have to carry the weight you are carrying. I could not disagree more with your GP. To lose weight to the point of losing your period is not healthy.

Assuming you are in good health there is one great option: Have a breast reduction. Realistic outcomes are: excellent relief from pain and difficulty running. The trade is that you will have scars, which are variable in quality. The link shows a patient of mine with similar pre-op size. All patient photos are shown only with written consent.

We offer virtual consults and can arrange local accommodations for out of town patients.

It doesn't seem from your post that you have an esteem problem. Your breasts are just bigger than are comfortable for you.

Best of Luck
Dr. Jim Romanelli

Dear jmacsweeney100,

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

Liposuction might help. I recommend an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon who may do this procedure. Make sure the surgeon has pictures to show you as well. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Hello, thank you for sharing your photos and clearly stating your expectations.After evaluating your pictures, I noticed that you have a slim body. I understand that you wish to achieve a breast size that harmonizes with your overall figure. Based on your photos, I can confidently say that you are suitable for a vertical pattern (lollipop scar) breast reduction.
This procedure will provide smaller, well-shaped, and lifted breasts. Breast reduction surgery can be a truly life-changing experience — it helps relieve back and neck pain and allows you to exercise much more comfortably. As a result, it often improves self-confidence and overall quality of life.
Breast reduction is generally a well-tolerated and nearly painless procedure, and most patients can return to their daily routines shortly after surgery.

You are an excellent candidate for The Bellesoma Method. The breasts are reduced and reshaped creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevated 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.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Thanks for your question! You would be a great candidate for a breast reduction. I disagree - you do not need to lose weight. You are the only one living with your body so this choice should be exclusively yours. Good luck!

You are a candidate for a reduction which would include a lift as well. You can be reduced to a C cup. This is a regular procedure for our practice. It's also performed under local anesthesia in the office. No general anesthesia needed. This makes for a much more pleasant experience and an easier recovery. The scars are in an anchor pattern. The nipple and areola are lifted towards the center of each breast and the excess breast tissue is removed from the bottom part of the breast.

From your photos and descriptions of your concerns you absolutely are a candidate for breast reduction surgery. Your desire for a C cup is realistic. The procedure would remove excess tissue, address asymmetry, and raise the position of the nipple. Begin by visiting with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more. I've included a video that I hope you find helpful.

Hi there! Thanks for sharing. Yes, this is something I hear frequently. When breasts feel heavy or disproportionate, they can affect a lot more than just posture or activities, they can impact your lifestyle in so many ways.
You sound like a really good candidate for a breast reduction.
This will do more than make your breasts smaller. There is reshasping, lifting and balancing them with your frame. Sounds like this could make you feel lighter, more comfortable and more confident. Most patients notice a big improvement immediately and the mood boost is incredible. Your goal of around a C cup sounds achievable, though final size can vary slightly depending on your tissue and healing and other things like brands and bra models. When we do a reduction, the procedure involves a lift, so you’ll see a perkier, more youthful contour as well. As for whether it’s bad enough, there’s no universal threshold. What matters most is how much it affects your quality of life. If you’ve tried weight loss and still feel physically or emotionally different from your goal, to me, that’s a perfectly valid reason to explore surgery. This is not about vanity but making you feel comfortable in your body. Many patients tell me it’s one of the most liberating decisions they’ve ever made. No, you are not “crazy”.