Is there such a thing as a modest breast reduction for someone with severe macromastia?

Cup size is very tough to predict. This is because a bra can’t be fit during the surgery, and typically not only the size but the shape of the breasts change so it’s difficult to know what size will feel comfortable postop. Grams are even tougher to predict, as it’s impossible to know how dense the breast tissue is. Generally speaking, for patients complaining of discomfort from their breasts, I advise them that approximately half of the breast volume will be removed, which is enough to elicit an effect on the symptoms, but still leave them full-chested.

Dear lilymb,
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

Hello, thank you for your question. It is hard to tell without proper photos, I recommend you to schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.

Yes, there is such a thing as a modest breast reduction for individuals with severe macromastia. Macromastia refers to abnormally large breasts, which can cause physical discomfort, pain, and psychological distress for some individuals. While many people with macromastia opt for more significant reductions to alleviate symptoms and improve their quality of life, others may prefer a more conservative approach.A modest breast reduction typically involves removing a smaller amount of breast tissue compared to a traditional breast reduction procedure. The goal is to reduce the size of the breasts while preserving a natural breast appearance and shape. This approach may be suitable for individuals who desire a more subtle change in breast size or who have specific aesthetic preferences.During the consultation process, your plastic surgeon will discuss your goals, concerns, and preferences to determine the most appropriate surgical approach for your individual needs. They will also evaluate factors such as breast size, shape, symmetry, and tissue composition to develop a customized treatment plan tailored to achieve the desired outcome.It's essential to communicate openly with your plastic surgeon about your expectations and goals for the procedure to ensure that you're both on the same page regarding the desired outcome. By working collaboratively with your plastic surgeon, you can achieve a result that aligns with your aesthetic preferences while addressing your concerns about breast size and shape.