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I'm 17 Years Old. Can I Go from a DD to a B?

asked 10 months ago by onone1
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 427 times
Tags: age 17 or under, 5 ft 0 in to 5 ft 3 in, candidate, DD to B cup

I'm a size zero pants size, I'm 5"1, but I feel like my breast are way too large for my body and I get too much negative attention. The bra straps absolutely kill my shoulders and leave ugly marks and my back sometimes hurt. It's absolute hell. My parents want me to get a reduction also. Is it possible to go to a DD to a B with it looking natural after? Also is it possible to go from a DD to an A? And lastly, Can I get surgery at my age? Thank you

15 answers to I'm 17 Years Old. Can I Go from a DD to a B?

Breast reduction

Breast reduction is one of the most gratifying for patients if they are selected correctly. It sounds like this surgery will relieve you of many of your complaints. One basic principle is that the more you reduce the more potential complications since removing breast tissue also removes more of the blood supply to the nipple and the more scars you will potentially need. That being said, with careful planning and detailed counseling, you shuld be able to achieve the results close to what you... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

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

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Teenage breast reduction

You should first discuss your concerns with your parents and schedule a visit with your primary care physician or pediatrician. Most insurance companies require letters from multiple surgeons stating the need for this procedure. Your physician will be able to recommend an appointment with a reputable board certified plastic surgeon. Upon consultation and examination, the plastic surgeon will determine if you are a good candidate for this procedure. All risk, benefits, pros, and cons will be... more

Christine Sullivan, MD
Columbus Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction in 17 year old patients

Large breasts, such as the DD cup size you have, often produce symptoms like back and neck pain. Breast reduction surgery is an excellent procedure to reduce the size of your breasts and alleviate your pain. It is not possible to predict how small your breasts can be made with surgery without an in person consultation, but it may not be feasible to bring you down to an A cup. Since you are only 17, you will need to have a parent or guardian to be present for the consultation and to consent... more

Olivia Hutchinson, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Large Breasts can be very debilitating!

Breast reduction surgery has been a godsend to many young and old woman alike. The relief from back and neck pain, rashes under your breast and weight gains is amazing. Considerations for breast reduction surgery for someone in their teens include; 1-Reasonable expectations - will your result be as expected. 2-Breast growth has ceased. Routinely we perform breast reduction on teenagers as long as the breast size has been stable for at least one year. 3- Pick the right... more

Robert M. Freund, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction in a 17 year old

Answer: At 17 years of age, you are certainly not too young for a breast reduction. A technique that maximizes your ability to breast feed in the future should be used. It is possible to go from a DD to a B cup, depending on the shape of your breasts and the width of your chest. I would not recommend going to a small B or A cup, however. You may have regrets later in life. A proportionate size for your frame is what I would recommend. see video

York Jay Yates, MD
Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction in teenagers

Your age is not a particular barrier for breast reduction surgery, and I have done reductions on teens younger than you, with gratifying results. It is important however, to discuss this thouroughly with your plastic surgeon so you understand all of the ramifications of this body-altering surgery. For younger teens, I like to see that there is family support for this decision. I would be cautious however of wanting too small a cup size, and in fact with the usual techniques... more

Jerry Lugger, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

Yes, yes and yes

It is unfortunate that your breasts are too large for your body. Breast reduction surgery can reduce you to any size you want. You must see a board certified plastic surgeon to be evaluated. You must know that there will be scars that result from the surgery. Usually, the more tissue you remove, the longer the scars are. Also know that your breasts may get larger again with more age and/or pregnancy.

E. Anthony Musarra II, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Reduction in a teenager

Based on your size and shape and complaints it sounds as though breast reduction is medically indicated and medically necessary (read: covered by insurance). The goal is not a particular size but relief from your symptoms. Within a range of proportionality you can elect to be a little larger or a little smaller, but you want to be able to wear clothes and bathing suits that you can get off the rack without a lot of alterations. Remember: you will get relief not just from... more

Daniel Greenwald, MD
Tampa Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction, how small to go

You can consider a breast reduction at 17, though read other similar responses on this site. Concerning size, the base diameter and geometry of the breast will determine the 'best' cup size after reduction, usually a small D or full C-cup. Take a trip to the store and look at some A-cups and even some B's. See how the cup shapes around your hand or fist, and you will appreciate what you are asking for. Best of luck, peterjohnsonmd

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Yes, you can.

I want to point out a couple of more thoughts, though. First, yes you can have the procedure even though you are just 17, and it will likely be a great success and make you very happy. Since you are under age, your parents must give consent. That doesn't sound like a problem in your case. Secondly, wharever size you go to will not remain static. As you continue to grow, as pregnancies occur and as time and gravity exert their influence- the size and shape of your breasts will change... more

William H. Gorman, MD
Austin Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction from DD to B

A breast reduction may be reasonable in your situation. However, going from a DD to a B may not leave you with a nice shape. A certain amount of tissue must be maintained on the pedicle that carries the nipple and areola, and also along the skin flaps so that the tissue can survive. Without an exam it is a tough call. For most of my patients in your cup size they usually get down to a "C"ish or small "D" cup.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction Sizes

Dear Onone1: Good question. It is possible to reduce your DD's to a B or A cup. For breast reduction, as is the case for many of the operations we plastic surgeons perform, there is a wide range of what can be done and what will look proportionate. The correct size for you is best determined by an honest conversation about what you expect from the operation and what your board certified plastic surgeon can do. It is not always possible to be exact about the final cup size, but in... more

Joseph Mele, MD
Walnut Creek Plastic Surgeon

Surgery is possible

Spend time talking to the board certified plastic surgeon about your wishes. There are no standard breast sizes so no one will guarantee a final cup size. Let the doctor who has experience examine you, see your size and estimate how small you will or should be. I agree, dont go too small.

William B. Rosenblatt, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Don't go too small with a breast reduction

While the size bothers you now, I have seen several patients who have had overdone reductions early in life who come back later after child bearing with absolutely nothing left needing an augmentation. I would encourage you to have a reduction down to a reasonable size as that is all you need usually to be symptom free but don't go too small and don't do it by cup size either as that can't be done.