How Do I Know the Right Size to Choose for my Breasts when Contemplating a Reduction?

Question

I am 5' 8 1/2" tall. I am currently 190 (due to my synthroid needing to be upped - I had my thyroid out in 2004 due to multiple goiters) - Even when I was 165, my breasts were still DDD. My surgeon told me yesterday that he thinks I'm larger than that. At least an F. My breasts hang down to my waist (when my arms are at my side). I have had 4 children and breast-fed them all. No plans for more either (I'm 43) - I am a size 12/14. Do you think a D would be appropriate for me?

William Bruno, MD · Answer

Based on your height and weight I would recommend a size that is proportionate with your body while at the same time retaining a nice breast shape- which I would imagine would be a D bra cup. This is difficult to determine without seeing your photos or examining you, but your degree of sagging and the amount of volume you have will to some degree dictate how small you can become. A board certified plastic surgeon can evaluate you and determine which size you can reasonably end up at, with regard to cup size.

	Best wishes,

	Dr.Bruno

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast reduction surgery. It is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform.

	It  Is very important to communicate your overall 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;D cup&rdquo; or "fake looking" or "top heavy" 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.

	I hope this helps.

Roy Kim, MD · Answer

In general, the best cup size for you after a breast reduction is determined by

	-  your overall weight and height

	-  certain chest measurements, such as your rib cage, distance from the sternal notch to your nipple, and other geekly plastic surgery lengths

	-  what you want long-term.

	 

	Bringing in photos or looking at photos of your plastic surgeon's work will help determine what is best for you and your long-term results.  Also, during your consultation, your plastic surgeon should be able to show you approximately the overal shape and position of your breasts, and go over your personal measurements and figure out the best cup size with you. 

	 

	A D cup would be appropriate, given what you've told us about your height, weight, current breast size, and what you want long-term. 

	 

	Best Wishes,

	Roy

Eric Swanson, MD · Answer

Usually women with very large breasts cannot be reduced below about a full C cup size and still look good, because you have a fixed base diameter of the breast.  But a D cup size is a huge improvement  from where you are now.  You need an aggressive lift to overcome your degree of sagging.  A vertical lift provides the best shape and limits scarring.  Look at plenty of before and after photos and choose your surgeon carefully.

Jack Peterson, MD · Answer

Actually, if insurance is covering your breast reduction then usually insurance companies mandate a specific amounts of breast tissue that is required to be removed from each breast under their individual plan. These amounts are usually determined by your height and weight.  Due to the weight of breast tissue removed mandated by insurance, you may not have as much choice as you would like. This is best discussed with your board certified plastic surgeon.

How Do I Know the Right Size to Choose for my Breasts when Contemplating a Reduction?

Answers (8)

Answer: D cup is usually best for your frame

Answer: D cup is usually best for your frame

Answer: Breast size after reduction

Answer: Breast size after reduction

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.

How Do I Know the Right Size to Choose for my Breasts when Contemplating a Reduction?

Answers (8)

Answer: D cup is usually best for your frame

Answer: D cup is usually best for your frame

Answer: Breast size after reduction

Answer: Breast size after reduction

Browse related questions

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.