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Can You Do A Breast Reduction for a Teenager?

asked 9 months ago by Anna in oregon
Latest answer by Lisa L. Sowder, MD
Question viewed 218 times
Tags: age 17 or under, DDD cup, discomfort, embarrassment, timing

Im fourteen years old and am curious if im a candidate for a breast reduction. im 5'5 and approximately 135 lbs. My breasts cause me alot of physical and emotional stress. I have been in counseling because i get sexually harassed because of my chest. Im 36DDD but done growing (as my doctor says) ive looked into the procedure and know generally what it is and the after effects. I need to know if its a good idea to do it now or wait another year or so. And would Insurance cover the costs?

8 answers to Can You Do A Breast Reduction for a Teenager?

Breast reductions for young patients

This is an excellent question, young lady, and I respect you for asking it. While i never perform elective aesthetic breast surgery, like breast augmentation, on ladies under 18 years of age, I will most certainly perform a breast reduction on a teenager if it is indicated. These cases are always individualized, and it depends entirely upon the young lady's maturity, level of understanding of the operation and its implications, her parents' support, and the expected benefits... more

Joseph L. Grzeskiewicz, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Too young for a breast reduction

Dear Anna, If you and your breasts have stopped growing and you are willing to accept permanent scars on your breasts (around the areola and a linear scar from the bottom of the areola down to the crease under the breast) and the fact you won't be able to breast feed, and if you were my daughter, I would say go for it. Find a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery who also has a kind and gentle beside manner. Breast... more

Lisa L. Sowder, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Some Teenagers Good Candidates For Breast Reduction

I have performed breast reductions on 14 year-olds. The most important criteria are stability of breast volumes and maturity (not just physical but also mental and emotional). It sounds as if you meet the first criterion. If you feel that you are also mature "beyond your age", discuss this with your parents and your pediatrician. If they agree, a consultation can be scheduled with a board-certified plastic surgeon with whom you and your parents can discuss... more

John Whitt, MD
Louisville Plastic Surgeon

Breast reduction in a 14 yo

I recently did a breast reduction on a 14 year old who was in my office with her mother complaining of the same issues. Young ladies like yourself are bothered by the size of their breast, inability to exercise, inability to wear tight fitting clothing and poor posture. Of course the social issue of having large breasts can be burdensome. All individuals under the age 18 will need the involvement and consent of their parents. They must be supportive and must be with you at all times of your... more

Sepehr Egrari, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction in Teens

The youngest patient I have chosen to perform breast reduction on has been 16. She was mature and understood the permanent implications of the procedure such as scars, inability to breast feed, and the loss of nipple sensation. Sometimes this last problem is not understood by 14 y/o girls without much life experience. If you can get by another year or so until you are absolutely sure this is something you are ready for, then I would try to do so. As for the insurance,... more

Steven Holzman, MD
Austin Plastic Surgeon

www.austinplasticsurgeons.com

Breast reduction

Yes, you may; however, you must also consider that there are a lot of scars with this operation and this can also be a source of distress. I recommend a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon along with yor parents. There is condition called "virginal hypertrophy" which causes the breasts to grow very large in girls your age.

Shahin Javaheri, MD
San Francisco Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction for a Teenager

If you are done growing, you may be a candidate for a reduction mammoplasty. This procedure has a high level of patient satisfaction, good relief of symptoms and usually an overall improvement in quality of life. At your age, you should discuss this carefully with your parents and seek the advise of a board certified plastic surgeon. It is important that you understand the procedure, the scarring, recovery and have realistic expectations of what is involved. more

Stephen Delia, M.D.
Boston Plastic Surgeon

Breast Reduction Surgery

Ideally, you would wait to make sure that you are done growing (which it sounds like you are) and you need to have parental consent to have any type of surgery. Also, you need to be emotionally ready to have surgery (this is something an experienced surgeon can evaluate when he/she meets with you). Yes, if your situation is bad enough, insurance MAY cover it (the office would have to get prior authorization). I would recommend that you and a parent go and visit some surgeons and... more

Tom J. Pousti, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

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