Is 17 too young for breast reduction surgery?

Juvenile breast hypertrophy, or "large breasts in a teenager", can cause a multiitude of ophysical complaints, as well as some emotional/social issues.  It is certainly appropriate to consider breast reduction in these patients if the benefits outweigh the risks.  In other words, if the... more

A  number of factors go into the decision of having a breast reduction. It appears that this tennnis players breasts are disproportionately large and undoubtedly hinders her physically and emotionally. Of great importance is that she is quite obviously fit, that is not obese. If she is mature and can... more

Many patients who over-develop early can benefit from breast reduction surgery. I have seen this in young athletic women such as Ms. Halep. The weight of their breast not only cause back and shoulder tenderness, but can hinder their mobility in sports.  The risks for a younger patient are not too... more

    Everey patient should be looked at individually in terms of what their motivation is as well as their exam. The tennis player you refer to is, even at 17, a highly trained athelete and would benefit from the reduction in terms of her career. Having said this, there are 18 year olds who will not... more

 This tennis player is obviously fit and has disproportionately large breasts that probably significantly impact her tennis career.  If her breasts have stopped growing and she is emotionally mature enough to understand the potential consequences of a reduction, she is not too young to have it done.

17 is not to young if the patients breast cause them problems with neck and back ache, difficulty with dressing, difficulty with activities especially sports. Other reasons may be sever asymmetry or a significant self consciousness. It is possible that the patient may continue to grow but this is unlikely. I... more

17 is not too young if the patient has reached full adult size or the breasts are extremely large in the case of gigantomastia.  It also depends upon the maturity level of the patient, the underlying medical conditions, and the reasons for surgery.

Hi.  If a 17 year old girl has uncomfortably large breasts, and her breasts have NOT CHANGED FOR TWO YEARS, and she is emotionally mature and well motivated, then it is perfectly OK for her to have a breast reduction. She will benefit. But many teenagers' breasts are still growng. Then surgery should be... more

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

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