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Is my Age an Advantage for Breast Reduction Surgery?

asked 1 year ago by Lashay7607
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 274 times
Tags: age 18-24, healing, risk

I'm 18 years old, and I am getting a breast reduction in the beginning of next month. I am aware of risks and complications, but can my age by itself lower these chances for me? For example, slow healing and nipple loss both worry me. I have heard that smoking is the main reason for nipple loss. I smoked maybe one cigarette a day during the school year, for about 3 weeks or so.. I haven't smoked a cigarette since the summertime, and it's February. I am also concerned about incisions not healing.

16 answers to Is my Age an Advantage for Breast Reduction Surgery?

Breast Reduction and age-related risks

Hello and thank you for the question. Your age doesn't necessarily put you at less risk than any other age group, so my answer to you would be "no". Factors that are more relevant in terms of discussing surgically-related "risks" include a relevant past medical history, such as diabetes or malnutrition, or a notable social history such as a chronic smoker. Best, Glenn Vallecillos, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Glenn Vallecillos, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

www.BeverlyHillsCosmeticSurgeon.com

Breast Reduction at age 18

At 18 years of age with an unremarkable medical history you will have no health issues that will increase your risk for breast reduction surgery. If you smoked only briefly and quit months ago this should no longer be a factor. The risks that you mention (slow healing and nipple loss) are not age related, but rather due to problems with blood flow after the procedure. Stay healthy, don't smoke and your risk will be as low as it can get. Good luck!

Mark Preston, MD
Columbus Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction Risks?

Thank you for the question. Congratulations on your decision to proceed with breast reduction surgery; it is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform. Neither your age nor the minimal use of nicotine should increase the risk associated with the procedure in your case. Select your plastic surgeon carefully. Best wishes.

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction age

Age is in your favor as you are less likely to have hypertension, cardiac or vascular issues. I am glad that you stopped smoking. Even a brief history of smoking may negatively impact an outcome, although to a lesser extent than a longterm smoker as nicotine does have lasting effects. It is true that younger patients form more exuberant scars and this would have to be observed and treated, if necessary. However, your smoking days were quite limited and you should not hesitate to undergo... more

Robert L. Kraft, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon

www.foresthillsplasticsurgery.com

Age factor in breast reduction surgery

It is important for patients to be aware of all risks prior to surgery. However, the percentage of patients who actually have complications is low. Age by itself doesn't lower the risk factor, but most importantly is the health of the patient; as long as you are eating right, exercising, getting enough rest, continue to avoid smoking and follow your surgeons wound care directions, you should do just fine. see video

Miguel Delgado, Jr., MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

www.dr-delgado.com

Relative risks for an 18 year old undergoing a breast reduction

Your age in some ways is a positive factor in that you should be in better health than someone much older. Your skin may have much better elasticity and even thickness compared to someone older which can translate into a better result that maintains its configuration longer. Your risk for loss of the nipple at your age would be extremely low. The limited smoking that you did more than 6 months ago should have no impact whatsoever now. At your age, there may be an increased risk... more

Steven Turkeltaub, MD
Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon

www.turkeltaub.com

Is my Age an Advantage for Breast Reduction Surgery?

Regarding: "Is my Age an Advantage for Breast Reduction Surgery? I'm 18 years old, and I am getting a breast reduction in the beginning of next month. I am aware of risks and complications, but can my age by itself lower these chances for me? For example, slow healing and nipple loss both worry me. I have heard that smoking is the main reason for nipple loss. I smoked maybe one cigarette a day during the school year, for about 3 weeks or so.. I haven't smoked a cigarette... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Youthful healing and breast reduction

Yes, to some degree youthful age is advantageous when it comes to healthy healing. However, at times, it can result in marked production of tissue with a prominent healthy scar.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction and age

Age by itself is not a signifcant factor for risk of complications from a breast reduction. General health is what is important. There are several medical risk factors, including diabetes and obesity. You are already aware of the risk of smoking (including second hand smoke) . Ideally you should be smoke free for 1 month before surgery.

Jack Peterson, MD
Topeka Plastic Surgeon

18 and breast reduction

The only thing about age that would make a difference is that presumably younger patients are healthier. If you are a candidate for a breast reduction and you do not smoke your risks are pretty low.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Age and Breast Reduction

Young women need to be aware of the implications of breast reduction. The incisions are always an issue. Make sure you are having a vertical reduction with a medial pedicle as described ny Elikzabeth Hall-Findley, MD in Canade who has done 4000 plus reductions( the world's authority) . The medial pedicle is excellent and preserves some sensation and possibly function. Nipple loss risk with the medial pedicle in a vertical breast reduction is nearly zero. ... more

George Commons, MD
Palo Alto Plastic Surgeon

Age as an advantage

Your age does not give you an advantage for the recovery after a breast reduction surgery, unless you are comparing yourself to an 80 year old patient. The fact that you are not smoking is the best thing you can do. Follow your surgeon's instructions and you should heal well. Sincerely, Martin Jugenburg, MD

Martin Jugenburg, MD
Toronto Plastic Surgeon

Risks of breast reduction complications at 18 years-old

The risks of breast reduction surgery are not necessarily associated with age. The best thing you have done to lower your risk is to have stopped smoking. On the other hand, young people are somewhat more likely to produce thicker, redder scars that take longer to settle down. Be patient. Good luck with your procedure!

Eric Pugash, MD
Vancouver Plastic Surgeon

Risk and Breast reduction

Given your very limted history of smoking, I would put your risk of nipple loss to be the same as that of a non-smoker. If you are a healthy 18 year old ( I assume you are) then your risk for wound healing, anesthetic complications and other complications are quite low.

Delio Ortegon, MD
San Antonio Plastic Surgeon

Risks of breast reduction

The risks of a reduction, especially those of healing and tisue loss, are more a reflection of blood flow compromise than age. It sounds like your smoking was minor but also realize that being around second hand smoke and using nicotine gums or patches is also bad for your blood flow.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Smoking With Breast Reduction

Smoking is a very big risk with breast reduction surgery. The fact that you have not smoked in several months puts you at the same risk in my opinion as someone who has never smoked, especially in view of your limited smoking history. Your age also makes you less likely to be hypertensive, diabetic, etc.; but. if you are, these conditiond would still increase your risk despite your age.