Breast reduction surgery is an option for people with larger breasts who experience physical discomfort, but an exact breast size for surgery doesn’t necessarily exist. Instead, the decision needs to be based on a combination of measurements, symptoms, and medical considerations.
For some, the size of the breasts may not seem excessively large, but if they cause ongoing pain, physical strain, or other issues, a reduction may still be an option. Since breast size is subjective and varies significantly from person to person, surgeons assess eligibility using factors such as breast volume, body proportions, and the amount of tissue that can be removed.
If you’ve been wondering whether your breast size meets the criteria for surgery, this blog will cover what surgeons look for, how breast size is measured, and what you can expect after the procedure.
How breast size is assessed for breast reduction surgery
When considering breast reduction surgery, many people assume that eligibility is determined by bra size. However, cup sizes aren’t standardised across brands, making them an unreliable way to assess breast size. Instead, surgeons focus on the actual volume of breast tissue, measured in grams, to determine how much can be reduced.
A key factor in assessing whether a person is suitable for surgery is the weight of their breasts in relation to their body. Larger breasts can put strain on the neck, shoulders, and upper back, but this strain is relative to body size.
For example, someone with a smaller frame may experience significant discomfort from breasts that wouldn’t be considered excessively large on a taller or broader individual. Because of this, surgeons need to take body proportions into account rather than focusing on a specific size.
Breast tissue distribution is another factor that may need to be assessed. Some people have more glandular tissue, while others have more fatty tissue. Since the ratio of these tissues can affect how much reduction is possible, the surgeon will assess breast composition to determine what kind of result can be achieved.
How your symptoms can determine your eligibility
While size is an important factor, physical symptoms caused by larger breasts are often what determine whether someone is eligible for breast reduction surgery.
Many people with larger breasts experience ongoing discomfort, particularly in the upper back, neck, and shoulders. This is due to the weight of the breasts pulling forward, altering posture and putting strain on the muscles.
Other common symptoms include bra straps digging into the shoulders, leading to indentations and pain, skin irritation or rashes under the breasts, and restricted physical activity due to breast size, making daily movement uncomfortable.
During a consultation, your surgeon will ask about your symptoms and whether they have improved with other measures, such as wearing supportive bras, adjusting posture, or trying physiotherapy. If non-surgical options haven’t provided relief, surgery may then be a suitable option.
Eligibility for surgery: Other factors that will need to be considered
While breast size and symptoms are an important part of determining eligibility for breast reduction surgery, other factors will also need to be considered.
General health is an important aspect, as surgery involves anaesthesia and a recovery period that requires the body to heal. Those with certain medical conditions, such as uncontrolled diabetes or other significant conditions, may need to be assessed further to ensure that surgery is a suitable choice.
Weight can also be a factor in eligibility. For some patients, your surgeon may recommend weight loss before surgery, if excess weight contributes to breast size or if weight fluctuations could affect the long-term results. However, this depends on individual circumstances, as some people naturally have larger breasts regardless of body weight. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that the results remain stable and that the surgery provides lasting relief from discomfort.
Having realistic expectations is also important. A breast reduction (also known as reduction mammoplasty) can significantly reduce physical discomfort, but it won’t necessarily eliminate every symptom, especially if other factors like posture or muscle tension are involved. Patients should also have realistic expectations when it comes to the aesthetics of the results. While the focus is on improving comfort, your surgeon will also focus on achieving a proportionate result that suits your unique body shape.
A consultation with your surgeon will help to clarify what can be achieved, and whether the procedure is the right option based on your individual needs and important health factors.
How much breast tissue will need to be removed?
The level of reduction that will need to be achieved depends on each patient’s individual needs.
For some patients, a small to moderate reduction is enough to reduce symptoms, while others may require a larger amount of tissue to be removed. The exact amount will depend on individual anatomy, the level of discomfort being experienced, and the expectations for the results.
Surgeons typically estimate the weight of breast tissue to be removed based on physical examination and measurements taken during a consultation.
When to book a breast reduction consultation
If you’re concerned about discomfort or other symptoms that could be caused by the size and weight of your breasts, it may be helpful to book a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon.
Your consultation will involve an assessment of breast size, symptoms, and individual anatomy, as well as a discussion about what can be achieved with the procedure. Since each person’s body is different, a personalised assessment is the best way to determine your eligibility. You’ll also be able to discuss your other options, should you feel that surgery may not be suitable for you.
Breast Reduction Surgery with Melbourne-Based Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Rubinstein
If you’re ready to arrange a consultation for a breast reduction with an experienced, qualified plastic surgeon, you are welcome to contact our team to see Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Rubinstein in Melbourne.
With over 25 years of experience, Dr Craig Rubinstein specialises in breast and abdominoplasty procedures, including breast reductions. During a consultation, he can carefully assess your needs, discuss your concerns and determine if a reduction mammoplasty surgery may be a suitable choice.
Please contact our team to discuss how to book your consultation.