Breast Reduction D To A – Plastic Surgeons Opinions
Breast reduction D cup to A cup most likely not possible
Most likely this will not be possible. Unless you agree to a free nipple graft, which will eliminate nipple sensation, it will not be possible to reduce the breast volume enough to acheive an A cup. When the breast tissue is reduced, it removes some of the blood supply to the nipple. If too much tissue is removed, the nipple can lose blood supply and it will die. Then it has to be reconstructed.
The way to avoid this is to remove the nipple-areola complex as a graft, which is put back on at the end of the operation. Of course the nerves have been cut and you will not regain nipple sensation.
D Cup To A
Most patients need to be proportionate. Unfortunately, bra size is not standardized. Regardless of this I have found that most patients need to be a “C” cup. This allows for the shoulders to be proportionate to the breasts, waist and hips.
Most of us have had large breasted patients who want to go to the opposite extreme, such as an “A” cup. However, time would reveal that this is probably the wrong size for you and you might consider breast augmentation.
See a surgeon who looks at proportion. (Christopher L. Hess, MD, Fairfax Plastic Surgeon)
You could, but maybe you should not
From a technical stand point you could get that small with a breast reduction. The question that you have to answer is whether this is what you really want. Having a large breast for a long time could make you want to go to the opposite, but it would be wise to go for a smaller cup. (Hisham Seify, MD, PhD, FACS, Orange County Plastic Surgeon)
It all depends on what you want. If you go from a D to an A, then you are certainly going to look different. If you body shape looks like you should have an A, then you will look great.
If your body shape looks more like you should have a D, then you might look disproportionate. (David Shafer, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)
Agressive breast reduction
All physicians have made excellent points for you to consider and I just wanted to add one additional thought. The more agressive you are with reduction, the more potential you have for compromising the nerve and blood supply to the nipple and areola.
There are many techniques to do a breast reduction, but all depend on leaving an intact blood and nerve supply to the nipple. There is only one technique where you completely sever the attachment and re-apply the nipple as a graft in which case you are guaranteed to lose nerve supply and are depending on chance for survival of the entire nipple and areola.
So if this is your request, which can be accomplished, be prepared to risk a higher chance of losing sensation and possible survival of the nipple and areola. (Otto Joseph Placik, MD, Chicago Plastic Surgeon)
Proportionality matter
Cup size is inaccurate and therefore difficult to discuss. However, going from a D to an A cup is a bit drastic and would be a significant shape change that may take some time to adjust to.
Having a breast reduction should be help relieve any symptoms you may have as related to a heavy, pendulous breast as well as getting a better shaped, smaller and more proportionate breast size. Right now you may feel disproportionately larger and you do not want to be disproportionately smaller after the surgery.
Looking at before and after photos may help you see what a breast reduction surgery can provide. (Bahram Ghaderi, MD, Chicago Plastic Surgeon)
It is possible to make you an A cup, but I would not recommend it.
An occasional woman says “I never want to wear a bra again. Make me an A cup.” But this is very rare. I usually recommend a B cup or a C cup after breast reduction.
You want to look in proportion. The main thing is to shape the breasts internally with buried stitches during the breast reduction. If one relies on pulling the skin for shape, then you will not get a good long term lift. (George J. Beraka, MD (retired), Manhattan Plastic Surgeon)
Different breast reduction approaches for different people
I have had many patients come to me complaining that after years of having large breasts that they want them completely removed–almost like they are diseased! Now of course, the down side to large breasts can be quite daunting, but the downside to no breasts can also be daunting.
When such patients come to my office, I try to suggest small but body appropriate breasts. I am looking to relieve the pain and discomfort, but at the same time, attempting to achieve a well-balanced sexy shape and look.
So when you think you want them completely removed — take a deep breath and think what you would want if your whole life was without anything breasts at all– and then come to a compromising size! (Robert M. Freund, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)