Is there a correct age for breast reductio surgery??

Barry H. Dolich, MD answers: Is 17 too young for breast reduction surgery?

17-year-old Romanian tennis star Simona Halep, who won the junior French Open last year, has announced that she will have a breast reduction later this year. Is 17 too young for such a drastic surgery? What are the risks of having a reduction so early in life?


Barry H. Dolich, MD
5 months ago
By Barry H. Dolich, MD - Bronx Plastic Surgeon

 Although age needs to be considered, it should never be the determining factor in in performing this FUNCTIONAL  proceedure.

The risks of NOT performing the surgery in a young patient are:1. chronic back and neck pain,2. permanent scarring of the shoulders  and inframammary areas,3.postural problems 4.inability to exercise propperly  and obesity 5. difficuly with clothing and emmotional difficulties and isolation at this most critical  time in a young person's developement. These FAR out weigh the physical risks in a healthy young woman.

Timing is critical. I have done reductions on patients as young as 14 and as old as 75.

As a tennis player, the ergonomic benifits to her game,stamina,and court coverage wil be of immence help. Her ability to stay on the tour as an orthopedicly healthy individual will also be increased.

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More answers to “Is 17 too young for breast reduction surgery?”

A: Breast reduction and age

Steven Wallach, MD
5 months ago
By Steven Wallach, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

17 is not too young if the patient has reached full adult size or the breasts are extremely large in the case of gigantomastia.  It also depends upon the maturity level of the patient, the underlying medical conditions, and the reasons for surgery.

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A: It is too young if breasts are still growing.

George J. Beraka, MD
5 months ago
By George J. Beraka, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Hi.  If a 17 year old girl has uncomfortably large breasts, and her breasts have NOT CHANGED FOR TWO YEARS, and she is emotionally mature and well motivated, then it is perfectly OK for her to have a breast reduction. She will benefit.

But many teenagers' breasts are still growng. Then surgery should be put off, or it may have to be done again.

Web reference: http://www.drberaka.com
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A: Appreciate your concern

Kenneth R. Francis, MD
5 months ago
By Kenneth R. Francis, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Eva,

I appreciate your concern for Simona's well being.  Obviously, being of somewhat celebrity status, she has consulted with a board certified plastic surgeon who would be counseling her on what is appropriate for her situation.  Imagine what she'll accomplish in the tennis world with five pounds less to carry around!

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A: Need to separate Functional from Cosmetic reasons for surgery

David Shafer, MD
5 months ago
By David Shafer, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

You really need to separate functional from cosmetic reasons for having surgery.  She obviously needs a breast reduction surgery and age should not be a limiting factor in the decision making. 

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