I'm 17 and I Want a Breast Reduction.

asked 10 months ago by TOGTFO
Latest answer by David Finkle, MD
Question viewed 195 times
Tags: age 17 or under, candidate, insurance, proportion, shoulder pain

I am a small person, I am about 5'1 and I feel that my breasts are extremely out of proportion to my body, and it makes me uncomfortable and upset with myself. Not only that, but they cause my to arch my back, and I feel I get lower back and shoulder pains from it. In my area (Ontario, Canada) I can get the surgery free if I have pains. What is the likely hood I can get insurance to pay for it, and how should I go about confronting my parents about this? Also, should I wait until I am older?

11 answers to I'm 17 and I Want a Breast Reduction.

Teenage Breast Reduction Common

Teenage breast reduction is very common, especially for the reasons you have cited. Upper neck and back pain, headaches, painfull groves in the shoulder area from bra straps, rashes and infections under the breasts, breast pain, difficulty finding clothes to wear, difficulty with physical exercise and last but not least teasing from peers. Make an appointment with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss your options and insurance requirements. Good Luck! more

David Finkle, MD
Omaha Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction covered by insurance?

I don't know how insurance in Canada works but Each insurance company in the US is different with what they require to "authorize" the breast reduction surgery through insurance. I write a letter and send photos of the patient when trying to get authorization (I am sure most plastic surgeons do this as well). Also getting supporting letters from other doctors who can document that you have had neck, back and shoulder pain and/or rashes due to the large breasts.... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Teenage breast reduction

Discuss your concerns with a parent and your primary care physician. Ask for a referral to a reputable board certified plastic surgeon. Upon examination and consultation, your surgeon will be able to recommend the best treatment option as well as discuss the risks, benefits, pros and cons of having the procedure as a teenager. Best of luck!

Christine Sullivan, MD
Columbus Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction

I can not tell you what the requirements are under the Canadian health system. Age 17 is reasonable for a breast reduction in someone with large breast and back pain.

David L. Abramson, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction in teenagers

I have never practiced in Canada so can't advise you on insurance issues, but medically teenagers can certainly benefit from breast reduction just as anyone with large, symptomatic breasts can. If your breasts are still growing, you should probably wait until they are at a stable size before having surgery. However, even if they are still growing you can talk with your parents about your concerns and have a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area. Good luck to... more

Margaret Skiles, MD
Sacramento Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction for young patients

My colleagues have given you sound advice. However, let me inform you that you have a better alternative for reducing the size of your breasts. There is a revolutionary technique called the 'Ultimate Lift' that unlike standard techniques: Lifts your breasts high and permanently attaches them to your chest wall Allows longer lasting results Achieves upper pole fullness (they are high and firm like implants) NO VERTICAL SCAR So, pls do your... more

Gary M. Horndeski, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

www.horndeski.com

Breast Reduction Surgery is OK for Younger Patients with Symptoms

You should first discuss your physical symptoms and desires with your parents. I’m sure they will understand. If you have researched this yourself, provide some of that information to them as well to help them understand. Next, along with your parents, visit a certified plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns and whether you are an appropriate surgical candidate. If you are no longer growing and your breast size is relatively stable then it is reasonable to consider breast reduction... more

Kenneth Dembny, II, MD
Milwaukee Plastic Surgeon

I'm 17 and I Want a Breast Reduction.

First start with a family meeting to discuss your breast size. Next meet with a boarded PS with your parents to become educated. The PS will than try to obtain insurance coverage for the operation. Follow this plan and good luck.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

"Scarless"breast reduction.

This is not for everyone but can be an excellent option for the younger patient before child bearing years. It leaves the basic gland and ductalsystem intact.

Sherwood Baxt, MD
New Jersey Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction in Teenagers

I agree, if you are symptomatic and a good surgical candidate (healthy) then you should consider having breast reduction surgery. It is not unusual for people your age to undergo the procedure. In fact, it can be life-changing. Good Luck.

David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction In Teen

Many seventeen year-olds get breasr eduction surgery. If you are having symptoms and your breast size has been stable for a couple of years, you probably are a good candidate. I have never practiced in Canada, but my understanding is that the requirements for coverage of breast reductions there are much less stringent than in the US. Discuss your concerns with you parents and/or your family doctor who can then refer you to an appropriate plastic surgeon with whom you can... more