Breast reduction for teens?

I am 14 years old but my breasts have given me a lot of problems: back pain, shoulder pain, extremely bad posture etc. My breasts already sag like about 3 inches and I have been talking to my mom, and I'd really like to get a Breast reduction. I was wondering if I'm qualified, what are some of the downsides, method to be used, how much scarring could I expect, and how long is the healing time approximately in my case. Thank you.

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15 answers to “Breast reduction for teens?”

A: Check with your surgeon and parents!

Sam Speron, MD

HI, Thank you for your question. I am sorry to hear that you are dealing with this at such a young age. Breast reduction could be a possibility. However, you definitely want to be as educated as possible and understand the risks of having this surgery at such a young age. Generally, we prefer patients to be at... more

A: The breasts may continue to grow

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Although it can be performed for girls at your age, the real question is that you may require an additional operation at a later date to correct further growth or sagging. If you are considerably in pain and discomfort, you may benefit from the operation. However, it is very likely your breasts will continue... more

A: You do not need a lot of scars for Breast Reduction

Ricardo Rodriguez, MD

Depending on the position of your nipples relative to your breast, and the quality of your skin, scarring can be minimized. You do not need, under any way shape or form the "upside down T" or "anchor scar", as there are plenty of alternatives available. If your breasts hang really low and... more

A: You need to wait until your breasts have not grown for 2 years.

George J. Beraka, MD

Hi! In general, i don't recommend elective breast reduction for girls under 18.  You need to grow physically and psychologically. But there are exceptions.  In Manhattan, we have operated on a few young girls whose breasts had not grown for 2 years, and who had a lot of symptoms.

A: Teen breast reduction

Steven Wallach, MD

Having a breast reduction as a teenager is a tough decision.  You want to make sure that your breasts are not growing anymore.  If they are very large you may be a candidate but I would defer it if you are still growing.  Remember that a reduction comes with permanent scars on your breasts. The... more

A: Teen breast reduction takes careful thought

Peter E. Johnson, MD

Teen breast reduction is safe and can be very appropriate for some individuals. This question comes up from time to time and you can find an additional response on my profile. There are two issues to consider when considering breast reduction. The first is physical maturity. The breast will continue to develop... more

A: An operation not taken lightly

Joseph Perlman, MD

There are a few unfortunate teenagers whose breast development is so great that they have symptoms like yours.  Not only is it a psychological problem ,being teased at school, but also functional, limiting athletic activities, as well as chronic neck and shoulder pain. I have performed about 20 breast... more

A: Wait until it looks like your development has slowed

Francisco Canales, MD

Although we have operated on one 14 year-old, we usually wait until about age 16 when breast development has slowed.  That way size and symptoms can be better evaluated.  You don't want to have an operation at 15 and find out you need a repeat reduction at 18!. The 14 year-old we operated on had EEE... more

A: Your age is a relative guide

William B. Rosenblatt, MD

Your height, weight and breast size should be stable for 3 years. You need to have an evaluation by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon - sagging and breast hypertrophy are different. If your breasts are only saggy, I would wait until you are fully mature and over 18. For large over D or DD breasts a reduction... more

A: Breast Reduction for teenage women

Alexander G. Nein, MD

Many women who have large and heavy breasts suffer from significant back, neck and shoulder pain from the discomfort of supporting the weight of the breasts. A breast reduction can eliminate this discomfort entirely. Further, women who have very large breasts often have a difficult time participating in... more

Comments

Keisha
1 post
18 Jul 2009

I am a single mom of a 12 year old that already wears a 36DD bra. She endures a lot of back and neck pain, as well as bad posture, etc. She even has a hard time carrying her book bag becuase of the added weight. Not only has this been a medical issue for her it has become a appearance issue too. She complains about her tops not fitting and at times I feel she is a little self-concious. It hurts me to see her endure what I did when I was her age. I too had a breast reduction several years ago. I have spent so much money on support bras over the past 2 years and can not afford it any longer. I know she still has more growing to do but is she a candidate for a breast reduction? If so what age should this procedure be done?

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