Is there a minimum size for a breast reduction?

No size requirements

There are no strict requirements for how large your breasts need to be in order to have size-reducing surgery. A breast reduction aims to give you an improved quality of life and can be done regardless of how much you want to reduce in size. The procedure can be an option for you if you experience back pain, chafing sores, eczema, or simply want body proportions that feel more balanced.

Available through the public health service on medical grounds

In Sweden, breast reduction is generally offered within the public health service only on medical grounds. The requirements can vary somewhat between different regions, but consist largely of the same criteria:

• Chronic back, neck or shoulder pain caused by the size of the breasts
• Recurring skin problems, such as rashes under the breasts
• Physical limitations or discomfort during everyday activities
• Mental ill health related to body image

Meeting these criteria is not, however, a guarantee that the procedure will be granted, because resources are limited. If you want a breast reduction for aesthetic reasons, private clinics are where you need to turn.

‍

Size chart for breast reduction

Current bra sizeEstimated tissue removalEstimated bra size after surgery

32D

200–300 grams

32B

32E

300–400 grams

32C

34DD

400–500 grams

34C

34G

500–700 grams

34D

36F

600–800 grams

36C

36H

700–900 grams

36D

38DD

500–700 grams

38C

38G

700–900 grams

38D

40F

800–1,000 grams

40C

40H

900–1,200 grams

40D

42DD

800–1,100 grams

42C

42G

1,000–1,300 grams

42D

44F

1,100–1,400 grams

44C

44H

1,200–1,500 grams

44D

46G

1,300–1,600 grams

46C

Size chart for breast reduction. Please note that results can vary between individuals.

‍

Some patients aim for a specific cup size, while others focus on achieving better proportions in relation to the rest of the body. One way to visualise the results after surgery is to look at a size chart for breast reduction together with your surgeon and discuss which results are possible and realistic to achieve.

How long does it take to see the final size?

Most patients begin to see noticeable results within six to eight weeks of their breast reduction. The final size, however, only emerges after a couple of months, once the swelling has settled completely – that is when you can experience your new cup size in full.

What to consider

A breast reduction gives you the opportunity to choose a new breast size, but it is also a big decision that requires you to weigh up several factors before you go ahead with the procedure. Some of these include:

• Your general health
• The possibility of scarring
• The time required for recovery
• How future life changes, such as pregnancy or weight changes, may affect the result

You need to have realistic expectations of the result, and this works best by clearly setting out your wishes to the surgeon, who can then adapt the breast reduction accordingly.

Book a consultation

When you book a consultation through Adoreal, your surgeon will assess the current size of your breasts and, together with you, discuss and arrive at a size that suits your body and the results you want to achieve. With the help of size charts and 3D technology you can get help visualising the potential results.

Find a clinic