Therapy Vs Breast Reduction for a Teen?

asked 1 year ago by emnoah in Texas
Latest answer by Tom J. Pousti, MD
Question viewed 393 times
Tags: age 17 or under, teenager

I am 14 and I have a 36D breast size and am 135 lbs. I have,in the past,had minor back problems and has gotten increasingly worse. I also get teased at school for being thin and having big breasts. I have done all that i could to make my breasts smaller. But my mom doesn't think breast reduction is a good idea and thinks i should go to therapy to learn to accept my breasts, but therapy can't cure back pain. I think that a breast reduction will help but is it a good idea?

10 answers to Therapy Vs Breast Reduction for a Teen?

Juvenile Breast Reduction

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. You may be a good candidate for the breast reduction procedure and 1 to 2 years. This will give you time to do your homework and understand the potential risk and consultations associated with breast reduction surgery. You should also understand... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction at 14?

I think that you are a bit young to get a breast reduction at 14. You probably are still growing so give it some time before you consider a reduction, and you would need parental consent.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction at 14? Mom not on board

I am not sure if your mother intended psychological therapy or physical therapy but the latter could help ease the discomfort on your back, shoulders and neck from the weight of the large breasts. I am sure your mother has your best intentions at heart. It may be wise to wait until your growth spurt has stabilized and your breasts have achieved their adult size. Doing surgery prior to this may result in the need for a secondary reduction if performed too early in life. Consider Physical... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction in teens

Emnoah, you fully realize why excessively large breasts are not always a blessing. I have had teen breast reduction patients who were "ideal body weight" and above average motivation who were referred by their pediatricians for consultations. Some elected surgery, others didn't. Like the other consultants, I agree that there are some risks of any surgery, which include the need for general anesthesia, scars, infection, asymmetry, possible... more

Lavinia Chong, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

www.chongmd.com

Breast Reduction for a Teen

I, we, all feel for you, but I can not walk in your shoes. Remember you are only 14 so your parent has final say concerning surgery. Why do you not make a bargain with Mom? Try therapy for 6 months and if still very unhappy than she should let you preceded with a breast reduction. Try this at least. From MIAMI Dr. B

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Virginal Breast Hypertrophy

Dear Em, From your question, you sound like a very intelligent and mature 14 year old who has given some serious thought to a condition that may be causing real symptoms. I would recommend that you and your mom visit a plastic surgeon in your area for a discussion about breast reduction including risks and the chances of your breasts continuing to grow after surgery. Good luck!

Kenneth R. Francis, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Getting a Parent to UNDERSTAND theImportance of Breast Reduction in aTeen

If you had a bulging hernia that compromised everything you did - wouldyour mother still insist you had to "psychologically come to terms" with it instead of getting it surgically repaired? If SHE had painful bleeding uterine fibroids would she purse psychological therapy instead of removing the fibroids? Your mother is just not educated on Breast Reduction and its importance. I would discuss just how physically and emotionally painful heavy breasts are with your school nurse and your... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Take your Mom to see a Plastic Surgeon

You and your Mom should go in together and speak with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. He or she will be able to tell you in great detail about the appropriate timing and reasons for a breast reduction. While physical therapy is usually beneficial for any type of muscular pain, if the pain is the result of overly heavy breasts, it won't cure things by itself. Good luck!

Brian K. Brzowski, MD
Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction in a 14 Year Old

A reduction is a big decision, because it results in permanent changes to your breast, and has risks (although very low) such as scars, possible decreased feeling or inability to breast feed. Talking things over with your mother, doing research together, and seeing a doctor for a consultation to answer your questions will get you both infrmed, and might help make the decision easier.

John LoMonaco, MD
Houston Plastic Surgeon

Ask your Mother to take you to see your family Physician and have an in-depth consultation

Your problem may be multifactorial but if your breast are too big for your body and cause you social embarrassment as well as aggravates your back and neck discomfort, then you should be evaluated for a reduction mammoplasty. It is important for there to be an agreement between you and your Mother and the Plastic Surgeon and your Family Physician. Start by asking your Mother to schedule an appoint to meet with your Family Doctor to discuss your options.