It might seem unfathomable, but some women on the “gifted” side have probably thought about getting breast reduction surgery at some point in their lives.
For a few of them, it’s a matter of wanting to reduce the size of their breasts for cosmetic reasons. But for the most part, they base their decision on medical concerns related to neck, back, and shoulder pain.
But how small should your breasts be after breast reduction surgery? Too large, and they can be uncomfortable and cause back pain. Too small, and they can make you feel self-conscious and less feminine.
Deciding on the right breast size is vital in your breast reduction surgery process. You and your surgeon will choose the cup size that best suits your body type and desired look.
As per Dr. Nick Masri, here are the factors you need to consider when making your decision:
Body Proportions
Breasts come in different shapes and sizes. But did you know that your body proportion should be a huge determining factor on how small you should go in breast reduction surgery?
One of the main reasons Dr. Nidal Masri considers body proportion so vital is it can help create a more balanced look. For example, a petite person may want a smaller cup size to maintain their proportions. However, someone with a larger frame might pull off a bigger cup size.
Also, someone with a broader chest may find that smaller breasts sit more naturally. Those with narrower chests may want to fill their frame with bigger cup sizes.
Again, it all comes down to what looks best on your body.
Dr. Nidal Masri also says that your breast size should be in line with other measurements on your body, such as:
- Breast width to chest wall width
- Breast volume with abdomen and back volume
- Breast weight to arm strength
- Breast circumference with hip circumference
- Breast length—from the top of the breast above the nipple—to leg length
Breast Tissues
Breast tissue comes from a combination of fatty tissues and glandular tissues in the breasts. The ratio varies from person to person and plays a significant role in how your breasts look and feel.
For example, someone with more fatty tissue may have more prominent, softer breasts. Anyone with more glandular tissue may have smaller, firmer breasts. The best breast size for you depends on your breast tissues.
Schedule a consultation with a double board-certified plastic surgeon like Nick Masri MD to get insights into your breast tissues and help you choose the right breast size for your body type.
Blood Flow
Although blood flow doesn’t exactly affect your breast size, the amount of blood flow to the breasts plays a big role in healing and tissue survival after breast reduction surgery. If there is not enough blood flow, you’re more prone to complications and recovery issues.
That’s why it’s essential to ensure that the breasts have adequate blood flow before surgery. Dr Nick Masri advises his patients to stop smoking for at least six weeks before breast reduction surgery to ensure seamless blood flow to the breasts.
Insurance Coverage
One of the things you might consider when determining your breast size is your insurance.
Every insurance company has its own criteria for breast reduction coverage. Insurance companies typically cover breast reduction surgery if it is medically necessary.
The amount of coverage depends on the insurer, but most companies pay only the partial amount of the surgery.
It can be frustrating if you’re hoping to go from a DD cup to a B cup, but your insurance covers only a C cup. That said, some patients of Nidal Masri MD, go with two choices: Either go ahead with a smaller reduction or pay for the surgery themselves.
Unfortunately, this decision can have a significant impact on the final results. So be sure to factor in your insurance coverage when making your decision.
Lifestyle
One way lifestyle affects your post-breast reduction surgery size is physical activity. If you have a sedentary lifestyle, your breasts may not be as firm, which can cause them to droop more. So going smaller may mean achieving a perkier appearance.
Dr. Nick Masri recommends going smaller for active people. Plus, if you are active in sports or have a physically demanding job, large breasts can get in the way and cause unnecessary pain.
Even if you are not active, larger breasts can be cumbersome. You may not find clothes that fit well. It also predisposes you to back and neck pain from the extra weight.
In these cases, going smaller may be the best option.
Age
As you age, your skin loses elasticity.
If you are in your 20s or 30s, you may go smaller than someone in their 40s or 50s. As per Dr. Nidal Masri, your skin will still have some elasticity during this age range, meaning it will adapt to your breasts’ new size and shape.
But if you are over 40, your skin is likely to be much less elastic. So you may not be able to go as small as you want without risking complications, such as wrinkling or sagging.
Medical History
Your medical history can affect how small you can go in breast reduction surgery. If you have a history of cardiovascular disease, a smaller breast size is recommended. By doing so, you can avoid putting strain on the heart and increase the risk of complications.
But if you have a history of keloids, it is best to go for a larger size to prevent potential scarring complications.
Other considerations include your age, weight, and health. Your surgeon will check these factors to determine the breast size that’s right for you.
It is vital to keep these factors in mind when choosing a size for your breast reduction surgery. After all, you want to be sure that you are happy with the results and feel safe and comfortable with your surgery.
If you’re considering breast reduction surgery, consult a highly experienced expert plastic surgeon like Dr. Nidal Masri. With double board certification in plastic surgery, Dr. Masri ensures you’re in good hands.
