Breast Reduction for a 16-year-old Girl?

Can breast reduction be performed for a 16-year-old girl? Overall I am not huge, but I am trying to lose some weight, and my 38G breast size makes exercising difficult. I have lost some weight, but none of it has come from my breasts. Is surgery a good option? I feel like I have tried all the other recommendations, and I am in a lot of pain as well as constant discomfort. I have done a lot of research on this subject, and I am seriously considering it. Thoughts?

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age 17 or under breasts G cup pain female weight loss breast size exercise

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13 Doctor Answers | Asked by hejhej in Kansas

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Teenage Breast Reduction

-Surgery is often a very good option for women who have discomfort related to their large breasts. Teenagers with very large breasts, such as you have, may consider a breast reduction. -Having very large breasts as a teenager can be troubling for many reasons. In addition to back, neck, and shoulder pain, some young women also suffer emotionally as well. Having the largest breasts in one's junior high school/middle school can negatively impact self-esteem. Playing... more

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 to... more

Breast Reduction Surgery in Teens

Breasts generally grow until the early 20s. You could do the breast reduction surgery now but you may need a revision in the near future.

Breast reduction for young patients

Patients today have many great options in breast reduction surgery. Young patients should understand that their breasts will continue to grow and change at least until their early 20s. For this reason and to make sure that the patient understands the seriousness of the surgery, it is not recommended to perform a breast reduction surgery before the age of 18. Your best bet is to work with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has a great deal of experience in breast reduction and will be... more

OK to have breast reduction at 16.

Hi. 1) In New York City, we see a number of girls like you, and I know how much distress you are in. You really have 2 choices. 2) You can have a breast reduction now (which I probably recommend). But then it is likely that you will need another one when you are in your twenties if your breasts are still growing. 3) Or you can wait until your breasts have stopped growing for sure, and then you will need only one operation.

Breast reduction in a teenager

I have performed breast reduction surgery in teenagers before and the youngest was 14. That girl came to me from London, with among the most enormous breasts I had ever seen. The public health service there would not allow her to have surgery because of her age but this yound lady had a severe medical (and psychological) problem because of the size of her breasts. Like you, she could not excercise etc. So in summary, you should discuss your concerns with your sugeon who can evaluate you... more

16 yr old and breast reduction

Breast reduction surgery in a 16 year old is not uncommon. If you are of adult size and menstrutating regularly, and no longer growing, then having a breast reduction is OK. If you are stil growing, then I would probably wait a bit longer.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction in Young Patients

From what you describe I think that you would be a good candidate for breast reduction and your insurance company should cover this if you truly are a 38G. Large breasts make it difficult to exercise and lose weight and in such cases as your especially with back and neck pain, it is warranted to have the reduction as long as you feel your breasts have stopped growing. Good luck.

Breast reduction at 16 or for teenager is possible, though there are tradeoffs

I have answered this question many times on this site, though as a young patient you deserve our time and response. I really want you to look up my profile on the RealSelf site and look at the questions about breast reduction. I cannot discourage you from pursuing further weight loss and fitness, and although it is unlikely to reduce the size of your breast you will feel better and look better and have done something significant for yourself. Breast reduction will reduce the bulk and... more

Breast reduction for teenagers

Very large breasts can be found in teens. This condition actually has a couple of names: "Juvenile breast hypertrophy" and "breast gigantism." If you are stable in your growth, and you have very large breasts, then you should consider a breast reduction procedure. You need to seek out a good plastic surgeon. This should be coverable by your insurance. Good luck.