Breast Reduction of D Cup Breasts on a 16 Year Old?

I'm 16 years old, and I've had problems with my large breasts for years now. I wanted to know if Breast Reduction is a good option, and what kind of things do insurance companies look at for covering a breast reduction?

Right now I'm 117 pounds, and 5'3" tall. My bra size is a 36D, which feels very disproportional for my small frame. Thank you

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age 17 or under breasts D cup 5 ft 0 in to 5 ft 3 in 110-129 lbs insurance

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8 Doctor Answers | Asked by Emi444 in Wyoming

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Breast Reduction for Teenager

It sounds like you are dealing with juvenile breast hypertrophy along with the physical and psychosocial consequences of this diagnosis. In other words, the breasts are too large for the frame causing both physical and psychological distress. It sounds like you have done your homework and understand the potential risk and consultations associated with breast reduction surgery. You also understand that further surgery may be necessary in the future (for example if the breasts were... more

16 year old and breast reduction

If you are of adult height and weight and you are having regular menses and are no longer growing you may be a candidate but you would need your parent's approval.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction in a 16 year old girl

You are a bit young, and although you are symptomatic, your D Cup size is not all that large. If insurance will cover it or not is a question that your plastic surgeon can help answer. Also, being under age, you must have your parents consent.

Breast reduction of D cup breasts for a teenager

Please go see 3 boarded plastic surgeons in your area. They can discuss with your parents the requirements to have you approved not only medically but insurance wise also. Regards.

When breast reduction becomes necessary

Breast reduction is covered by some insurance plans and benefits are determined by documentation of medical necessity for the reduction procedure. Medical necessity to insurance providers means the procedure is meant to restore normal health and function. The most common criteria include back pain or neck strain which cannot be corrected by 'conservative ' measures. Insurance will often make sure patients are within normal body weight ranges, and have failed other measures such as physical... more

Is 16 too young for Breast Reduction?

Hi there- There are several issues to review... First of all, at 16 it is likely you may experience some further growth of your breasts, and that if this happens after you had breast reduction surgery, that a second surgery to further reduce and improve their shape would be a more risky endeavor not likely to be covered by your health insurance. The question of insurance coverage of the initial procedure is very much a regional one, and therefor would best be answered by a plastic surgeon in you more

Breast reduction is appropriate at your age

At your age, with such large breasts, it is appropriate to consider breast reduction surgery. You need to be examined and to have your overall health evaluated. However, in exceptional cases, I have performed reduction surgery on a girl as young as 14 with enormous breasts.

Seek a Plastic Surgeon to determine candidacy for Breast Reduction

Each company uses different criteria. BCBS, for example, uses the Shnur scale which is based on your BMI and estimated volume of reduction. Ultimately, you need to seek a consultation and have your physician compose a letter of predetermination of benefits to ascertain your level of coverage.