Teen Breast Reduction: Waiting Necessary for Teenagers?

Breast reduction surgery for teenagers is certainly possible and can be life changing. You need to understand that you will have permanent scars from it and will probably not be able to breastfeed. You also need to be a good candidate for the procedure (it sounds like you are if your breast size is stable) and mature enough to understand and make significant decisions. You should get your parents involved in the decision as they will have to sign any consents, and you will need to have... more

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

At 16 years old you may be a bit young, but if you are of adult height and weight and are no longer growing and have regular menses, you may very well be a candidate.

Heavy breasts can be more trying both from the physical and emotional stand point for teens.  Unlike flat chested girls, who can opt for shapely bras, you have to be more creative with what you wear and also your physical activities.  Consult with your parents, primary care and interview PS who keep an active interest and practice in breast reduction.  I agree 100% with Dr. Dunagan's observations that if you developed early and excessively, you may experience a... more

Breast reductions do work very well at your age. However, in my experience, you're slightly more likely to regrow breast tissue as you age further or undergo pregnancy. There is also a slightly increased risk of scar formation. The positive with going ahead with surgery is that it allows you to make the change sooner rather than later and ease any discomfort you might be feeling physically—and perhaps mentally—from having large breasts. It is best to consult with a reputable... more

Hi. You will be so happy after you have a breast reduction.  But it is smart to wait until your breasts have stopped growing.  Otherwise you may have to do it again. 

Breast reductions are fantastic operations! If your goals are... to decrease pain in your neck, upper back, and shoulders to minimize sweating and rashes in the folds beneath your breasts to feel more confident around your peers then, breast reductions are a great option--regardless of your age. The big issue with breast surgery at 16 years old is that your breasts will continue to change. (Of course, breasts are going to change from any age. Ask any 45-year-old woman who has had kids! She more

The quick anwer is "no, 16 may not be to young to have breast reduction surgery." The timing of breast reduction surgery is really individual. In general, it is nice to have the option to wait until a woman has had her children and has finished breastfeeding. Having had a breast reduction may affect your ability to make enough milk to nurse without supplementing. Also, breasts change with pregnancy and nursing. Some women get much smaller than they were before having children,... more

Dear Brittany I just answered this same question yesterday so I will repeat what I said. 1. You should be emotionally mature to undergo this type of surgery and hopefully have the support of your parents, as you can't legally sign the consent at 16. 2. Your breast size should be stable (unchanged) for at least 6 months but preferably a year would be better. 3. You should be of relatively normal height and weight. If you meet those criteria in my opinion, and judging from the size you say... more

If your breasts are that large, you would already be a candidate for a breast reduction as long as you have stopped growing, you are mature psychologically and have a parent attend all visits with a plastic surgeon who will explain all of the issues about doing a breast reduction such as permanent scars, possible numbness and possible inability to breast feed.

No. If you have symptoms which impede your activities and social life, you should consider having a breast reduction. HOWEVER, you must have a responsible parent attend all your plastic surgery visits who will be responsible for the decision to have surgery as well as your after care. http://www.cosmeticsurgeryspecialists.org/bodyprocedures/breastliftandbreastreduction.html If you are emotionally mature and are willing to exchange these very large breasts for smaller breasts with surgical... more