Whats the Smallest One Can Go in a Breast Reduction?

Question

I'm 18 and currently with 38 D cups. The have gone up to a DD at some point. I'm very self conscious about them and find them not suitable for me since I'm very thin it's totally disproportionate in my opinion. I've been given the opportunity to get them reduced because of the health reasons but while I'm at it I'd like to address what I'd like aesthetically. I'd like to go down to a B cup, is that possible or is it more complicated and risky at that point?

Sepehr Egrari, MD, FACS · Answer

There are so many techniques of breast reduction and many different sizes can be achieved  My preference is not only to go after the patients' desire for a particular size, but also to pay attention to the proportions of the outcome. It is so important not to lose the beauty of the feminine shape, and equally important to rid yourself of the issues that go along with a large size breast. So just the right amount...

	Breast reduction is one of the most gratifying operations that we do. It can dramatically change the way you look, and feel. Make sure you see a qualified plastic surgeon.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the problems your disproportionately large breasts have caused you. This can be especially difficult given your relatively young age.

Before undergoing the breast reduction procedure it will be very important to communicate your size goals with your surgeon.  Most patients wish to achieve a enough of a reduction to help with their symptoms while remaining proportionate with the remainder of their torso.

With the goal of improving communication with my patients I find the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small)  very helpful. I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or “B cup” 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.

It is possible to reduce the breasts size very significantly.  The concern with the amount of tissue removed is related to blood flow to the remaining tissue;  if too much tissue is removed in one operation the blood flow to the remaining tissue (including nipple/areola)  may be compromised.   Part of the tissue that is left in place is called the “pedicle"; this segment of tissue is responsible for delivering the blood supply to the nipple/areola tissue. If the pedicle is made too small (in the effort to reduce the breasts as much as possible)  then patient will likely have problems with tissue survival.

The other concern with overly aggressive breast reduction surgery is patient dissatisfaction  afterwards.  It is not unusual for patients who have lived with very large breasts to want to have as much as possible removed. Care must be taken to be judicious in this removal to avoid an outcome where the breasts  are too small in relation (proportionately) to the patient's other body parts.  Again, it is not uncommon, for patients'  breasts to become smaller ( after the breast reduction procedure) with time and/or weight loss-  breast augmentation may become necessary to achieve the patient size goals.

On the other hand, you should be aware that breast reduction surgery done at an early age may  occasionally need to be repeated in the future.

I hope this helps.

Judith M. Gurley, MD, FACS · Answer

That is absolutely possible and your health insurance may even cover a breast reduction. That will depend on your height and weight and how much breast tissue will be removed. You should be professionally sized if you haven't already been. Going down 2 or 3 cup sizes is very reasonable. The surgeon needs to preserve blood flow to the nipple so there is a limit as to how much tissue can be safely removed, but in most cases a "b" or "c" cup is reasonable. You also have to understand that you are trading large breasts for smaller breasts with incisions or scars, around the areola, vertically down from there and underneath the breast. There is a chance that you may loose sensation of the nipple.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

A breast reduction certainly is an option.  It may be difficult to reduce you to a B cup.  You would have to be seen in person.

Simon Overstall, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

Dear MitchyM,

	Yes, it is possible to go from a D cup to a B cup using a variety of different breast reduction techniques.  Remember that bra cup size is a very inaccurate measure of breast size. 

	If your breasts are made very small, you may find that the shape of the new breasts is not so attractive.  It is also worth remembering that the new breast size should be kept in proportion with your hip size.  This will make clothes shopping far easier.

	I would suggest finding an experienced local plastic surgeon who can go through this important decision with you in plenty of detail.

	The vast majority of women having breast reduction are extremely happy this operation.

	All the best,

	Simon

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Whats the Smallest One Can Go in a Breast Reduction?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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