Is a Breast Reduction Safe at Age 15?

I am currently a 34DD, almost DDD, but I am only 15 years old. I'm 5'5'' and 135 lbs, with a bust and hip measurement of 37cm, and a waist measurement of 30 cm. I feel like my breasts get in the way of doing any physical activites, like running. Would it be safe to get a reduction done, and for how long would I be out of physical activities?

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10 Doctor Answers | Asked by cheerleader13

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Breast Reduction for Teenager?

Thank you for the question. 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. As you think about breast reduction surgery make sure you do your homework and understand the potential risks and complications associated with the procedure. Unsatisfactory... more

Breast reduction for a teenager

If you are otherwise healthy, a breast reduction can be considered at your age. Most Board Certified plastic surgeons have treated at least one teenager with this problem. The improvement in symptoms is predictable and seen soon after surgery. Most patients return to activity in 2 to 4 weeks. It may be reasonable to discuss this with your parents and your primary care doctor also.

Breast reduction at 15

If you have symptomatic macromastia and you are of adult size and are menstruating regularly, you may be a candidate to have it done now. If you are still growing, you should wait.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction at age of 15.

It is generally safe. Your parents will have to sign your consents to have surgery. It is important that your weight and growth have stabilized prior to undergoing the procedure otherwise you may be subject to ongoing breast enlargement. see video

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

33 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Best to have breast reduction when breasts have stopped growing.

Hi. It's safe to have breast reduction now, but not a good idea, because your breasts will almost certainly continue to grow. Then you may need another reduction in a few years. see video

Breast reduction as a teen is safe

It is safe to have a breast reduction in your teenage years, and this is a very frequent question on this site. You should consider though that at age 15 your breast is still growing and your body is maturing. We feel a key consideration is emotional maturity in that you will be making an important decision with breast reduction that carries consequences throughout your life. Breast reduction will leave a scar on the front of the breast which is acceptable, though visible. There are also... more

A Breast reduction sounds like just the right thing for you

All the problems you complain of are easily corrected by a well done reduction of your breast. While you are a bit young you have these real problems. Check with a board certified Plastic Surgeon. It is possible you may continue to grow but that could be corrected by a second procedure. It sounds like the size of your breast are limiting your life and that shouldn't be when you are 15. Merry Christmas

15 year old breast reduction patient

Yes it is safe. It is also very appropriate under the correct circumstances. The most important consideration is that your breast size has stabilized. You don't want to do a breast reduction only to find out that a year later the breasts have increased in size again.

Breast reduction safe at 15 only if appropriate!

Although it is safe to do a breast reduction at age 15 the question is more of whether it is the right time. Unless my patient has a problem called juvenile hypertrophy with massive enlargement, I would ask this. Are your breasts still growing? If they have been stable in size for at least 6 month and even a year then I would go ahead. If they are still growing and are causing back and neck problems you may be a candidate for a liposuction breast reduction to... more

Breast reduction and age

Breast reduction is a function of breast anatomy and symptoms, not age. In addition, large, cumbersome breasts can be quite socially hindering to teenagers, both in terms of social stigma and teasing as well as in ability to participate in social or sports activities. Your surgeon should address all your concerns and the pros and cons of surgery. It is important that you are fit and healthy and not reversibly obese.