Breast Size Are a 48DDD?

There are two independent parts for a bra size, the number and the letter. The number corresponds to the distance around the chest below the breasts. This is also called the band size. The band size does not change with breast reduction; however, it is not uncommon for patients to wear a larger band size for comfort when there breasts are very large. The letter corresponds to the cup size. The cup increases one size for every one inch increase in the distance measured around the breasts. To add to the confusion, the cup size depends on the band size. For example a 40 B cup has the same volume as a 42A cup. In your case, if you actually are a 40 you should be wearing a 40J. If you have not done so, get yourself measured and fitted for a bra. Most major department stores can do so. FYI Victoria's Secret tends to run one or two cup sizes small, so B's are C's at Victoria's.

Dear Christmas,

I always tell my patients that the number in their bra size will usually not change with a breast reduction because it is a measure of the chest girth, not the breast size.  So, right off the bat we can say that you will NOT likely become a 40 after your breast reduction.  Beyond that, cup size prediction is somewhat imprecise.  We have general parameters that we use to estimate what the final cup size will be, but there is some unpredictability to it.  And that is with an exam and pictures.  There is really no way that we can accurately predict your situation without, at a minimum photos, and an exam.  Good luck!

Without an exam it is really difficult to say and furthermore volume removal does not always correlate to final cup size because bra manufacturers all make their bras differently.

Congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast reduction surgery. It is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform.   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 will be very important to communicate your size goals with your surgeon.  In my practice, the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or “D cup” etc 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.