Breast reduction at an early age takes careful thought

Breast reduction is a safe procedure at any age, however best results and satisfaction can swing on two very important issues, physical maturity, and emotional maturity. The breast can continue to enlarge and develop into an individuals early twenties. By age 17 the chance of further breast enlargement is small but can happen. In a focused individual who suffers from physical limitation, or in an athletically gifted individual that you mention breast reduction can certainly improve performance and may be important to consider at an early age. This may be important in other areas of athletics as well such as swimming or in dance.

The second consideration is emotional maturity as with breast reduction there are certain trade-offs which cannot be reversed once the reduction is complete. A large breast can be emotionally challenging for a young woman as we are a body conscience society. Still, after reduction two facts must be understood. First, the breast will lactate with pregnancy but successful breast feeding without supplementation is unlikely. At age 17 it can be difficult to understand feelings about an issue so far in the future. Second, there will be a scar on the breast and nipple. With short scar reduction the scar is lessened though again at age 17 it may be more difficult to understand your feeling concerning your body and scar with friends or in dating and intimacy (hopefully also in the future).

In my practice when I see individuals as young as you are I ask them to consider all the issues carefully. It may be unlikely that their desire for reduction will go away, but it may help them plan a "best time" in their life. Some will forge ahead with plans for reduction. At age 17 I suggest that you consider your choice for a year. If you plan on reduction a convenient time is just after your senior year, giving a summer to recover and relax, and a fresh start with new friends and challenges with college in the fall.

Best of luck,

peterejohnsonmd

Age does not automatically make someone a candidate or make someone not a candidate. It is only one factor to consider. If at 17y.o. you have fully developed breasts which has not changed for the last two years or so, you are mature enough to understand the risks and recovery involved and are medically healthy enough to undergo the surgery, then you are a good candidate. Breast reduction is the ultimate in combining reconstructive and cosmetic elements of plastic surgery. Patients are extremely happy as long as they understand what is involved. Obviously not being an adult officially, a 17y.o. would need parents available during any consultation and to give consent for surgery. Seek out a board certified plastic surgeon who has a good reputation in your area and go over the surgery with them. Make sure all your questions are answered. Breast reduction is a life changing surgery.

Helpful?

Contact the doctor

The most important factor is probably the growth curve and not necessarily the chronological age.

If the patient has reached a plateau and has demonstrated little if any growth over the preceeding 6 months, than I would not feel that a breast reduction is cointra-indicated.

Of course the risks are overcorrection or undercorrection, with the former being more likely. At her age and body weight, it is highly likely that she will sustain additional increase in size of breast volume attributable to weight gain or subsequent pregnancies.

Therefore, she may need an additional reduction at some later date.

Helpful?

Contact the doctor