How Small Can My Breast Reduction Go?

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Women usually put a lot of thought into their decision to receive a breast reduction. One of the choices to be made is how small to go. Some women want to relieve symptoms such as back and shoulder pain, rashes, and indentations from bra straps and want just enough breast tissue removed to accomplish that goal.

Before and after breast reduction. Model in black bra.

Other women may want a more significant reduction, sometimes because of aesthetic preferences, and other times to increase athletic performance.

No matter the reason, the truth is, it all comes down to preserving blood supply to the nipple areas.

Can I Reduce My Breast Size From Extra Large to Small?

Patients who may want to change from a size DD to a B or smaller should consider that enough breast tissue must be left for the nipple to receive sufficient blood supply. Otherwise, the nipple will suffer a lack of blood supply and may atrophy.

Several breast reduction techniques have been developed to preserve breast symmetry and adequate blood flow through the remaining breast tissue to ensure the nipple’s health and for significant reductions, are similar to the techniques used in a mastectomy.

How Small Should I Go With My Breast Reduction?

Consider these questions when deciding how small to go with your breast reduction:

What is your ideal body contour?
Do you want to breastfeed in the future?
Are you a professional athlete?
How severe are your back and shoulder symptoms?

If you are considering having children and nursing in the future, you’ll want to be conservative to potentially retain this ability — there is no guarantee that you will be able to.

If you are a professional athlete and performance is your main concern, then you need to find a surgeon who is trained and experienced in more significant breast reductions.

For those with extreme symptoms from overly large breasts, be sure to explain this at your consultation so that your surgeon can advise you of your best options.

How Many Cup Sizes Can I Go Down and Maintain Blood Supply to My Nipples?

There is no one answer to this question as all women’s breasts (and blood supplies) are different. Generally, anything over a difference of three cup sizes warrants a more cautious approach.

In cases that require more breast tissue to be removed, a common technique is to remove the nipple and reattach it as a skin graft.

The undersurface of the nipple is trimmed of its fatty material and then placed back into position and secured. Over the following five days, new blood vessels grow through the breast tissue to the nipple to restore its blood supply.

The technique may flatten the nipple slightly, reduce sensation, and negate your ability to breastfeed. However, for many women with large breasts, these complications are worth the trouble compared to the problems they have been dealing with.

Are You Interested in Learning More About Breast Reduction?

Dr. Hochstein offers breast reductions and breast lifts in Miami. Call our plastic surgery practice today – our staff is happy to answer your questions.