Questions and Answers by a Breast Reduction Specialist

While some women desire fuller breasts, for others the opposite is true. Large breasts can cause several problems, including improper posture, back pain, and trouble sleeping. Fortunately, breast reduction procedures can address these concerns, reducing the breasts to a more manageable size. Breast reductions are surgical, meaning they involve cutting or piercing the skin; there is a recovery period after the procedure that can last up to several weeks.

What is a breast reduction procedure?

A breast reduction procedure, also referred to as reduction mammoplasty, is a type of surgery that reduces the size of a woman’s breasts. The goal of the surgery is to reduce the physical and sometimes emotional discomfort caused by overly large breasts, rather than for aesthetic purposes.

A breast reduction does not only reduce the size of the breasts, but also improves their shape and weight, making them smaller, firmer, and more proportionate with the rest of the body. This procedure is often accompanied by breast lift surgery, which focuses on raising the breasts instead of reducing them.

What’s the smallest size for breast reduction?

The smallest breast size a breast reduction procedure can achieve is different for every individual and depends on several factors, such as breast size, body type, body shape, and desired results. Another factor that plays into breast reduction is maintaining a balance between the hips and bust line. How many breasts can be reduced is limited when natural-looking results are the goal; a mismatch between hip and breast size may produce undesirable or unnatural-looking results.

For large breasts, the biggest determining factor of how much they can be reduced has to do with the blood supply to the nipple area. To provide an adequate amount of blood supply to the nipple, there must be a large enough amount of breast tissue surrounding the nipple. The nipples’ blood supply comes through the breast tissue; if it is insufficient, the nipple can suffer from ischemia (a lack of blood supply to the tissues), which can result in tissue damage and death, risking nipple loss. To ensure the survival of the nipple, the surgeon will utilize various breast reduction techniques with a focus on preserving ample blood flow to the breast tissues.

How big should breasts be before getting a reduction?

Because the female breast is incredibly diverse in size and shape, obtaining accurate and reproducible measurements has proven to be a challenge. Without a standardized protocol for breast measurement, it can be challenging to objectively assess post-operative results. The conventional brassiere sizing system is the most common method of measuring breast size and also has the advantage of being easily understood by patients. There is no set size for how big breasts must be before undergoing breast reduction; the need for the procedure is instead based on limitations big breasts have on the quality of life, such as mobility and posture, as well as if they are causing pain or other symptoms.

How many cup sizes smaller can be achieved with breast reduction?

The amount of cup sizes that can be lost in a breast reduction procedure varies from one person to the next and depends on breast size, breast composition, and the desired outcome. During the consultation, the plastic surgeon will help the patient determine the best plan for their situation. On average, a breast reduction procedure reduces cup size by one to two sizes. Call us today to book an appointment with our breast reduction procedure specialist, or visit one of our convenient New Jersey locations: in North Brunswick, Princeton. We serve patients from North Brunswick NJ, Milltown NJ, Clyde NJ, Sayreville NJ, New Brunswick NJ, Edison NJ, Princeton NJ, and Rocky Hill NJ. We look forward to serving you!