How Many Cup Sizes Can I Go Down with Breast Reduction? 10 Breast Reduction FAQs, Answered
Breast reduction surgery offers life-changing relief for women struggling with physical discomfort, emotional distress, and lifestyle limitations from overly large breasts.
Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sharline Aboutanos understands that choosing breast reduction is a significant decision and shares answers to some of the most common Richmond breast reduction questions below.
1. Can I get a breast reduction if I'm planning to lose weight in the next year?
Breast reduction can be performed at various weights; however, Dr. Aboutanos typically recommends that patients be at or near their goal weight before surgery for optimal results. Patients who experience significant weight loss after breast reduction may notice changes in the shape and size of their results and potentially require revision surgery.
If you're carrying excess weight primarily due to the physical limitations caused by large breasts—such as back pain preventing exercise—Dr. Aboutanos may recommend proceeding with surgery to improve your quality of life and enable more active weight management. During your consultation, she will evaluate your individual circumstances and help determine the best timing for your Richmond breast reduction.
2. How many cup sizes can I go down with breast reduction?
The extent of size reduction possible depends on several factors, including:
Your starting breast size
Body frame
Skin elasticity
Aesthetic goals
Most patients can safely reduce by 2-4 cup sizes, though some may achieve even greater reductions when medically necessary.
Dr. Aboutanos focuses on creating proportional, natural-looking results that complement your body frame rather than simply achieving a specific cup size. During your Richmond breast reduction consultation, she will discuss your goals and provide realistic expectations for your potential size reduction. The goal is to achieve breasts that look proportionate and allow you to live more actively and confidently.
3. What makes Dr. Aboutanos different from other breast reduction surgeons?
Dr. Aboutanos brings unique qualifications to breast reduction surgery in Richmond. As an award-winning board-certified plastic surgeon with extensive training in both cosmetic and reconstructive breast procedures, she understands the technical precision required for optimal results.
Having been recognized as a Richmond Magazine Top Doc multiple years running, Dr. Aboutanos takes pride in her patient-centered approach. As a female surgeon, she has a deep understanding of the physical and emotional challenges that come with overly large breasts and carefully tailors every aspect of surgery to address both your functional needs and aesthetic goals.
4. Can I combine my breast reduction with other procedures?
Yes, breast reduction can often be safely combined with other procedures in a single surgical session. It's worth noting that breast reduction surgery typically includes elements of breast lift surgery; excess skin is removed and the breast tissue is lifted and reshaped, with the nipple-areolar complex repositioned higher on the chest to create a more youthful, proportionate appearance. Many women choose to address multiple concerns with a mommy makeover, combining breast reduction with procedures like tummy tuck or liposuction to rejuvenate their overall silhouette.
Dr. Aboutanos will assess whether combining procedures makes sense for you based on your health, goals, and what's safest for your specific situation.
5. How do different breast reduction techniques affect future mammogram results?
The most commonly used techniques, such as the anchor or lollipop methods, typically preserve the central breast tissue where most cancers develop. Dr. Aboutanos will discuss how the surgical technique she recommends for you may affect future screening and provide you with detailed surgical records to share with your healthcare providers.
Some scarring may be visible on mammograms, which is why it's essential to inform your mammography technician and radiologist about your surgical history.
6. Can breast reduction surgery fix severe asymmetry issues?
Yes. Richmond breast reduction allows Dr. Aboutanos to customize the surgical approach for each breast individually, removing different amounts of tissue from each breast and reshaping them to achieve better symmetry. While perfect symmetry is rarely achievable (and, truthfully, natural breasts are never perfectly identical!), breast reduction can dramatically improve balance and proportion.
If needed, Dr. Aboutanos may recommend additional techniques to fine-tune symmetry and ensure the most natural-looking results possible.
7. What happens if my insurance denies my breast reduction claim?
Insurance coverage for breast reduction varies significantly between providers and individual policies. If your initial claim is denied, you do have options:
Appeal the decision with additional documentation from Dr. Aboutanos and your primary care physician detailing the medical necessity of the procedure
Consider financing options for breast reduction
Dr. Aboutanos and her team have experience working with insurance companies and can help you document the medical necessity of your procedure. Even if insurance doesn't cover the procedure, patients find the life-changing benefits justify the investment in their health and well-being.
“Dr. Aboutanos did my breast reduction surgery and did an amazing job. I love my new breast. She was very nice, kind, and answered all my questions. She is an amazing doctor and her work speaks for itself. If you are thinking of surgery this is the surgeon for you.”
—Breast reduction patient of Dr. Aboutanos
8. How soon can I return to a desk job vs. a physical job after breast reduction?
Recovery timelines vary based on your job requirements and individual healing process.
Generally:
Desk work: Most patients can return to office jobs within two weeks. You will still have lifting restrictions and may experience some fatigue.
Physical work: Jobs requiring heavy lifting, reaching overhead, or strenuous activity typically require 4-6 weeks off work with a gradual return to full duties, as full recovery can take about six weeks.
Dr. Aboutanos provides detailed post-operative instructions based on your specific job and lifestyle needs.
9. Will I need revision surgery after breast reduction?
The vast majority of breast reduction patients achieve their desired results with a single surgery, and revision rates are generally low. A careful surgical approach and detailed planning beforehand help keep revision rates low. When patients do seek revision surgery for a breast reduction, it's usually to address changes from weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or the natural aging process.
10. How does breast reduction affect cancer screening and risk?
Breast reduction surgery does not increase cancer risk and may actually make detection easier by reducing the overall amount of breast tissue to examine. The remaining tissue retains normal cancer risk. Self-examination techniques may need adjustment as breast shape and sensation change after surgery; however, most patients find that reduced breast size actually makes self-examination easier and more effective.
To learn more about breast reduction surgery and explore your options, please call (804) 355-3410 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sharline Aboutanos, or contact her online.