Is 17 too young for breast reduction surgery?

17-year-old Romanian tennis star Simona Halep, who won the junior French Open last year, has announced that she will have a breast reduction later this year. Is 17 too young for such a drastic surgery? What are the risks of having a reduction so early in life?

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18 answers to “Is 17 too young for breast reduction...”

A: No

Christopher L. Hess, MD

See the blog we recently posted about this issue.  I do not think 17 is too young for a breast reduction.  Women are done growing by this point.  In addition in her case she is clearly very fit and the size of her breasts has nothing to due with being overweight.  So it's a genetic issue... more

A: Need to separate Functional from Cosmetic reasons for surgery

David Shafer, MD

You really need to separate functional from cosmetic reasons for having surgery.  She obviously needs a breast reduction surgery and age should not be a limiting factor in the decision making. 

A: Appreciate your concern

Kenneth R. Francis, MD

Eva, I appreciate your concern for Simona's well being.  Obviously, being of somewhat celebrity status, she has consulted with a board certified plastic surgeon who would be counseling her on what is appropriate for her situation.  Imagine what she'll accomplish in the tennis world with five pounds... more

A: 17 is not too young for breast reduction if growth has reached a plateau

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

The most important factor is probably the growth curve and not necessarily the chronological age. If the patient has reached a plateau and has demonstrated little if any growth over the preceeding 6 months, than I would not feel that a breast reduction is cointra-indicated. Of course the risks are... more

A: Balance risks and benefits for best patient outcome

Sutton Graham II, MD

Eva S: Seventeen would be an age less than most, but not inappropriate, if other factors are right.  Breast growth should have ceased.  The goal should be treatment of functional problems such as back, neck and shoulder pain, posture problems, interference with activities, etc. In addition, a... more

A: Is there a correct age for breast reductio surgery??

Barry H. Dolich, MD

 Although age needs to be considered, it should never be the determining factor in in performing this FUNCTIONAL  proceedure. The risks of NOT performing the surgery in a young patient are:1. chronic back and neck pain,2. permanent scarring of the shoulders  and inframammary areas,3.postural... more

A: For teenagers with extremely large breasts, reduction can be considered

Susan E. Downey, MD

For teenagers with extremely large breasts, a reduction can be a life-changing experience. If the breasts are so large that they are interfering with activities such as sports, then the surgery should be considered.  Women have breast fed after redcution surgery but there is a possibility that the woman... more

A: Breast reduction at an early age takes careful thought

Peter E. Johnson, MD

Breast reduction is a safe procedure at any age, however best results and satisfaction can swing on two very important issues, physical maturity, and emotional maturity. The breast can continue to enlarge and develop into an individuals early twenties. By age 17 the chance of further breast enlargement is... more

A: No.

Scott E. Kasden, MD

17 is young, but not too young.  I don't agree that it is drastic.  When appropriate, it just the right thing.  Very large breasats can cause social, physical, and emotional problems that can be severe.  Although there are a lot of scars, they fade nicely over time, and overwhelmingly,... more

A: age is only one factor

Bahram Ghaderi, MD

Age does not automatically make someone a candidate or make someone not a candidate. It is only one factor to consider. If at 17y.o. you have fully developed breasts which has not changed for the last two years or so, you are mature enough to understand the risks and recovery involved and are medically healthy... more

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