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16 Y/O 34DD - Am I a Candidate for Getting a Breast Reduction?

asked 1 year ago by 7134anon in new york
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 1,201 times
Tags: age 17 or under, 110-129 lbs, 5 ft 0 in to 5 ft 3 in, DD cup

im 16 years old, 5'2 about 128 lbs. my bras are 34DD but they dont even fit. i really hate my breast, there very saggy and i dont feel like a young teenager.. my back hurts constantly, i cant wear certain things. i just dont know how to go about getting a breast reduction because my mom doesnt approve. she thinks its dangerous for any surgery in general. plus she cant really afford it unless my insurance covers it. i just want to know if it sounds like im eligible to get it done despite my age.

17 answers to 16 Y/O 34DD - Am I a Candidate for Getting a Breast Reduction?

Start with your insurance

It's a shame your mom isn't on-board with you. The truth is that you won't be able to do any of this without her consent, as you are under the age of 18. If you want to do some more homework, though, then present everything to your mom, I would start with the issue of insurance coverage. Contact your insurer and ask them to send you their criteria for medically necessary breast reduction. Or go online and see if you can download their criteria. You... more

Carmen Kavali, MD
Atlanta 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

Breast reduction in teens is an option.

In our Santa Rosa, California practice, we have had many teenagers who successfully had breast reduction for symptoms such as yours. There is a possibility that you could still have some breast growth left, so try to hold off as long as you can. Having said that, many patients we have done at ages 16 through 18 are thrilled to have had the procedure. It is still possible to breast feed after breast reduction in many cases, although it is not a guarantee. Best of... more

Francisco Canales, MD
Santa Rosa Plastic Surgeon

Absolutely, but you may require a second reduction in the future.

Women, like you, who experience musculoskeletal loading, skin rashes and psychosocial inconveniences because of heavy breasts are candidates for breast reduction. However your young age makes it imperative that your parents are also on board with you having a surgery. Your height and weight, good health and motivation are a definite plus, but not only should you educate yourself on the procedure and convalescence, with the assistance of a board certified PS but you should be... more

Lavinia Chong, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

www.chongmd.com

Breast reductions create happy patients

Our happiest patients are often those after breast reductions. They find they are able to do things like participate in sports and enjoy clothes off the rack without needing alterations. Their social outlook is brighter and they often wonder why they didn't get their surgeries sooner. I have been pleased with the European inspired short scar vertical reduction techniques for over a decade now. Ask your surgeon about the possibility for insurance coverage, and... more

Randy Wong, MD
Honolulu Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction good if breasts have stopped growing.

Hi. If your breasts have not grown for a year, I would recommend it and you are probably eligible for insurance coverage. It is natural for your mom to be worried about your having surgery, but most parents agree after they understand the benefits and the safety.

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction in adolescents

Breast reduction surgery has been shown to alleviate symptoms such as neck and back pain, and may be safely performed in teenagers. You will need parental consent before undergoing any procedure and also for consultation with a plastic surgeon.

Olivia Hutchinson, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction and Insurance

You and your mom should seek out a board certified plastic surgeon and be examined. There will need to be some measurements done and then a letter written to your insurance company. Given all the information, you insurance company will make a decision if this is of medical necessity. It sounds like may be a candidate given the problems you are having. There are certain criterias that are used to determine if the insurance company would approve your surgery and this... more

Farbod Esmailian, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction

Yes, you sound like a good candidate for breast reduction surgery. I would suggest that you and your mom have a few consultations with plastic surgeons. Breast reduction is a very common procedure with minimal risk. Good luck.

David Shafer, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Common surgery

This is very commonly done surgery. It is safe and effective, you need to find out if your insurance will cover it as all insurances vary and they want to pay for as little as possible. Also, you need to speak to your parents about it and have their agreement. Go see a plastic surgeon with your mom and see how it goes.

William B. Rosenblatt, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction

You should check with your insurance company regarding their criteria for approval. Often it requires documentation of your back, neck pain and treatment for it usually by an orthopedist, chiropractor, or phsycial therapist and often for 4-6 months. If you body habitus "falls within their accepted norms," then you probably can be covered.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction CAN transform life for the better in Young woman with painful necks,shoulders and Large Breasts

Breast Reduction is NOT a Cosmetic Surgery operation - it is a Reconstructive plastic Surgery operation ; one done to improve life and function. When a woman's breasts cause pain, interfere with exercises, hygiene and prove a social hindrance a Breast Reduction IS the only practical solution. You may want to provide your reluctant mother with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons' Position Paper on Breast Reduction. It was written to explain the condition to medical... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

16 Y/O 34DD - Am I a Candidate for Getting a Breast Reduction

Yes you could be a candidate, but you need to see a boarded PS with your parent to start the process. Only an in person consultation is the way to proceed. Remember Breast reduction leaves scars. Start the process.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Young age is not the limiting factor in breast reductions

Yes, 34DD and pain certainly qualify you for a breast reduction. The fact that you are only 16 should not mean that you should be prevented from having a surgery that will relieve your discomfort. What you need to understand, however, is that you are still growing and as you get older and heavier, your breast may grow again and you may need another breast reduction. Because of your age, you should have the support of your parents or guardians, and the consent to surgery... more

Martin Jugenburg, MD
Toronto Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction in a 16 year old.

This is s common question. Discuss this with your pediatrician who may be able to recommend a surgeon and help support your case for insurance coverage as well as provide you with advice about timing and approaching your mother..

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction in Mid-teens

It certainly sounds as if you are a good candidate for a breast reduction and it would be covered by many health insurance policies. Since your mother is not keen for you to undergo this procedure, discuss it with your primary care physician. If she/he agrees, then the two of you could discuss it with you mother.

John Whitt, MD
Louisville Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction in a 16 year old

You sound like a candidate for a breast reduction but it would be best to work with your mom, see some excellent surgeons in NYC and see if they think your case might fall under the insurance realm. In the right surgeon's hands and at a safe facility with MD anesthesia, a breast reduction is a safe procedure.