Can I go from a 32DD to a 32A in a breast reduction surgery?

Question

I am 19 years old and just recently got cleared for a breast reduction surgery. I am currently a 32DD hoping to come out of the surgery as a 32A, is this possible?

James N. Romanelli, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, significantly reducing the volume of the breasts is possible during this type of surgery. However, I caution patients against getting too attached to a particular cup size. Cup sizes are not an exact science, and they can vary quite a bit between manufacturers. Instead, your surgeon will remove a portion of tissue that approximates the reduction in cup size.  I often suggest patients bring photos of the “ideal size” outcome them might desire, to help us understand each other.

Jaime S. Schwartz, MD, FACS · Answer

I appreciate your question.
  
I perform a liposuction breast lift that removes tissue from the areas you don't want such as near the armpit and the lower portion hanging near your stomach. Once I use this to shape the breast I then remove the skin to tighten the breast and create a better shape with nice cleavage. Since I perform this less invasively the recovery time is faster. The size would depend on the proportion with your body versus going for a cup size. It works very well if there are asymmetries. I can also use the removed fat as a natural breast augmentation by grafting the fat back into the breast to create more projection or into the top to create more cleavage. This procedure can also be combined with an implant if needed or wanted.  It should not affect nipple sensation, mammograms, cancer risk or breast-feeding. If you gain or lose weight, the transferred fat can do the same.
  
The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.  Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic plastic surgery.  
  
Best of luck!    
  
Dr. Schwartz 
  
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
  
#RealSelf100Surgeon 
  
#RealSelfCORESurgeon

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

The limit of breast reduction is the size of the pedicle that keeps your areolar/nipple vascularized.  This pedicle can be made only so small before the blood supply is compromised.   When starting at a very large size like yourself, it is more than likely that you would at most achieve a large C or small D cup size.  Otherwise you would need a free nipple graft technique.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question,  I strongly recommend you consider a larger cup size as going too small may jeopardize vascularity and wound healing. Women no longer need to undergo massive breast reduction in order to experience pain relief. Please consider The Bellesoma Method to alleviate pain from large breasts by transfering the weight of breast to the underlying chest muscles. This maneuver relieves the skin envelope in being the only structure holding breasts in place. The muscle acts as an active structure that easily maintains and lifts breasts long term. Attached is an example of a woman who wanted a lift without implants and without the ugly vertical incision. You are welcome to visit my gallery to see more examples. Best wishes, Dr. Gary Horndeski

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

To make your breasts that small from a DD, you all sacrifice shape and may risk viability of the tissues.  To get that small, you might require more of a mastectomy than a true breast reduction.

Oren Paul Mushin, MD · Answer

Hi there thanks for your question. I do think that your objectives could be achieved. Although breast cup size is somewhat arbitrary as it varies from one manufacturer to the other, most times, size objectives can roughly be met. Make sure to seek out a full-trained plastic surgeon who can help you reach your goals. Good luck to you.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast reduction surgery; it is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform.
Yes, 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. 
My best suggestion: seek consultation with board-certified plastic surgeons who can demonstrate significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you will be pleased with. This careful selection of plastic surgeon will be the most important decision you make.
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. I suggest that you do not communicate your goals in terms of achieving a specific cup size. For example, an “A cup” may mean different things to different people and therefore may be a source of miscommunication. In my practice, I ask patients to communicate their goals with the help of goal photographs.
I hope this helps. Best wishes.

Can I go from a 32DD to a 32A in a breast reduction surgery?

Answers (7)

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