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Breast Reduction Advice for a 15-year-old?

asked 2 years ago by consider in California
Latest answer by Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS
Question viewed 3,972 times
Tags: age 17 or under, breasts, female, 130-149 lbs, 5 ft 4 in to 5 ft 7 in, breast size, G cup

I'm 15 years old, 5'4", and weighing 135 lbs. I have 32G/32GG breasts. I have extremely bad back, neck, and shoulder problems, extremely bad posture, and I cannot do most physical activities. I also have huge psychological issues with my breasts that really affect me. I've been considering breast reduction since I was about 12 with 32DDD. I would not expect to have it until next summer when I turn 16, but I have been researching it and truely want one. I want an opinion from professionals.

15 answers to Breast Reduction Advice for a 15-year-old?

Breast Reduction in a 15-year-old

I do quite a few breast reductions on teeenagers. My only requirement is that your bra size has not changed in the last year. If your breasts are still growing when you have the procedure done, you may need a second reduction a few years later.

Daniel R. Knight, MD
Shreveport 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 will relieve symptoms.

Hi. 1) I've seen a bunch of girls like you, and my heart goes out to you. This is very bad. You have 2 choices. 2) I've done breast reduction on girls like you right away. The problem is that your breasts will continue to grow, and you will need a revision when you are 20. But you seem so troubled that I would do it. 3) The other option (which for you I do not recommend) is to suffer for another 3 years, and then have surgery when your breasts have stopped growing. 4) How the... more

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction for 15-year-old

Congenitally large breasts are problematic for so many girls. Not withstanding all the problems with neck, shoulder and back pain are the psychological issues that are more important. Clearly at your height and weight your breasts are much too large for your body. And this has everything to do with your genes not your size. So, yes I would strongly recommend breast reduction even before you are 18.

Christopher L. Hess, MD
Fairfax Plastic Surgeon

Teenage breast reduction surgery

It is not unusual to see a young girl that would benefit from a breast reduction. There are several important issues. Breast growth should be stable for the past year. If the breasts are still increasing in size then it is possible that they can continue to grow following a breast reduction. There is always the possibility that you would not be able to breast feed following a breast reduction. You should consider your options and discuss this with your parents and together with a good... more

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction in a 15 year old

IF you have reached a stable weight and growth curve, then this may be an option for you. At your age, you may have a higher likelihood of recurrent hypertrophy and may need another reduction. Also consider that this may effect your ability to nurse if and when you have children.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction at 16

If you are no longer growing in height, and are regularly menstruating and your breasts are no longer growing, then seeking a breast reduction consult sounds like a good idea for you.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction for a 15-year-old

In Plastic Surgery we always weigh patient benefits VS. patient risk. As a result we often wait until our patients are old enough and legally mature when they understand and accept the potential risks of the procedures they are asking for. Breast Reduction on teenagers is not rare. Some people are uncomfortable with it because they do not fully understand the huge encumbrance and psychological toll that large breast take on all women but especially on young women who are in the... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction for teenagers

Breast reduction is a fantastic procedure starting at 13 to 14 years of age. It is remarkable how breast reduction can help to alleviate the pain in the neck and shoulders as long as the pain isn't being caused by something else such as arthritis. The procedure can be done as an outpatient and it's very well tolerated. Being 15, you may need a repeat procedure later on in life if your breasts continue to grow. But for now, a reduction seems warrented in you. Good luck!...

Jeffrey E. Schreiber, MD
Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

www.BaltimorePlasticSurgery.com

Breast reduction may be and appropriate procedure

If you are fifteen and have very large breasts, breast reduction may be an appropriate procedure. It's important to be sure expectations are realistic and you have an understanding of the commitment needed for the healing process. Make sure that you understand the nature of your surgery, the recovery process, and that you feel comfortable and emotionally ready to make these changes to your body.

Michelle Copeland, MD, DMD
New York Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction in teenagers is not unusual

Hello, Although we generally recommend waiting until all your breast growth has happened, there may be situations like yours where doing a breast reduction at age 16 is indicated. We have certainly done breast reductions in our Santa Rosa practice in patients your age. Make sure you have discussed all your symptoms with your parents so that they know why you are interested in pursuing this. Best of luck.

Francisco Canales, MD
Santa Rosa Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction in a young woman

As you seem to be well aware, breast reduction is an operation that can have great benefits for women of all ages. I have performed breast reductions on women in the mid to late 60s and the the first thing they say post-op is that they wished they had done it a long time ago. In your case your height and weight are appropriate so you have what is referred to as virginal macromastia. As long as you have a clear understanding of the surgery to include not only the short but longterm effects,... more

Michael C. Edwards, MD
Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction benefits

You sound mature and motivated. These are the two most important factors. Chronological age is only relatively important because of this. You certainly seem to be handicapped physically and emotionally, and breast reduction is really the only alternative especially if you are fit and the enlargement is genetic and developmental, not a result of obesity. Patients with your constellation of problems are almost uniformly satisfied with having hnd the procedure. There are a number of surgical... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD
Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction in 15 year old

Believe it or not, breast reduction in teenagers if fairly common. Your parents will accept ultimate responsibility, but in this age of athletic activity for young women, many large breasted girls want the huge appendages out of the way. Breast reduction does demand some incisions that are unsightly in the short term. Usually after a period of time (months) they fade and become acceptable. You can see examples of women at various stages of convalescence on my website listed below. If you... more

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction Advice for a 15-year-old

In most cases, we would recommend for teenagers to wait on breast reduction. However, you seem to have the emotional maturity and understanding of the risks/benefits to consider the procedure including the strong possibility that future surgery would be required. Family and friend support will help. Consult with 3 - 4 board certified plastic surgeons to explore your options.