One of the most common questions I hear is, “Can I get down to a size A or B after my breast reduction?” This is a great question, and the answer depends on your body and your goals.
Let’s back up for a moment and talk about bra sizing. While there is no scientific way to guarantee your exact cup size after surgery, we can use cup sizes as a helpful way to describe outcomes. Think of it this way:
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A size C often looks balanced and proportional to most body frames.
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A size B is a little smaller and lighter.
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A size D is fuller and larger.
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A size A is much smaller, and in some cases, harder to achieve with standard reduction techniques.
Now, here’s where things get interesting. Yes—it is possible to reduce to a size A or B, but in some situations I may need to use a different surgical approach called a free nipple graft.
With a free nipple graft, the nipple is carefully removed, resized if needed, and then placed back onto the breast skin as a graft. This allows me to safely remove more tissue and create a smaller breast size. The big benefit of this method is flexibility—I am not limited by having to keep the blood supply connected from the chest to the nipple.
However, there are also trade-offs. A free nipple graft means:
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You will not be able to breastfeed in the future.
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You may notice decreased sensation in the nipple.
Even with those downsides, many patients feel the comfort and freedom of having smaller, lighter breasts is worth it.
Every patient’s journey is different, and my goal is always to help you feel more confident and comfortable in your own body. Whether your goal is a size C, B, or even an A, we will walk through your options together and choose the best and safest plan for you.
Answer: While there’s no scientific way to guarantee an exact bra size after breast reduction, most patients can expect results in the range of C, B, or sometimes A depending on body frame and surgical technique.
Answer: Yes, it may be possible to reach a size A or B, but sometimes this requires a technique called a free nipple graft. This method gives more flexibility for smaller sizes but will reduce nipple sensation and the ability to breastfeed.
Answer: A free nipple graft involves removing the nipple, resizing it if needed, and placing it back as a skin graft. This allows for a much smaller breast size but comes with trade-offs such as decreased nipple sensation and inability to breastfeed.
Answer: For most body frames, a size C is considered the most proportional. A B is smaller and lighter, while a D is larger. An A is much smaller and less common without advanced techniques.
