Recommended Age to Have Breast Reduction?

What age do I have to be to have a Breast reduction even if I'm a size K and have all the symptoms that older women have? Worse still, it is ruining my childhood.

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13 Doctor Answers | Asked by nicole16 in home

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Juvenile Breast Hypertrophy?

Thank you for the question. 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. There is no specific age when breast reduction is “allowed”. Many patients who suffer from juvenile breast hypertrophy will have the procedure done in their later teenager years. As... more

Ideal age for breast reduction

There is no perfect age for a breast reduction. Patients will have changes and the growth and appearance of their breast into at least the early 20s. Therefore, it's recommended that a patient wait until the stage before considering significant surgery that will change the shape and quality of their breasts.

Breast reduction and age

There is no specific age requirement for a breast reduction. Ideally you want to be of adult body habitus, menstruating regularly, etc. However, if your breasts are enormous at a young age and have impeded your ability to carry out routine daily activities than you are a candidate for a reduction.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Age for a breast reduction

As long as you have stopped growing in height and breast size, and as long as you are very emotionally mature, there is no absolute age limit for a breast reduction done by a board certified plastic surgeon. It is ideal if you can wait as long as possible but 16+ is okay.

Have breast reduction when breasts have stopped growing.

Hi. 1) My heart goes out to you. You have 2 options. 2) You can have a breast reduction right now. We occasionally do this. But you have to realize that you will most likely need a revision when you are 20 and your breasts have stopped growing. 3) Or you can wait until your breasts have stopped growing and have only one operation, but that involves a lot of temporary suffering. 4) If you were my daughter, I probably would have you do the surgery right away.

Breast reduction on a teenager

I have seen breast reductions performed on girls who have been as young as 14 due to complaints of pain and discomfort. But this does not necessarily make it right. There are many factors that go into this decision making process and the risks must be weighed against the benefits. There is no simple answer and each person must be approached taking many factors into account. This can include: height, weight, growth curve, tolerance for scars, potential for continued growth, nursing potential... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Many benefits to breast reduction surgery

There are several things that you should know before considering a breast reduction. It is not unusual to see young girls requesting a breast reduction. I lake for their breast growth to have been stable for at least one year. You will need the help of your parents to help you make the right decisions in this life changing procedure. There are many risks involved in any surgical procedure and you must weight these against the benefits. The scars are permanent. There can be problems... more

Early breast reduction surgery is recommended in some cases

Hello Nicole, Most elective surgical procedures are better done after the age of 18. The idea is to properly inform you regarding all the risks and alternatives of the surgery. This is well know as the informed consent. When it comes to a large breast reduction that could interfere with your social life , the age is not important and an earlier surgery would be recommended. Best of luck!

Age is only one factor in breast reduction

Understanding the surgery and its consequences is much more important than age. Just as important is whether or not you have completed your development. The benefits of breast reduction with anyone your cup size is immense. It is truly a life changing event. But there are some trade-offs and risks that you need to go over with your surgeon along with complete involvement of your parents to make sure you understand them all before proceeding. You have to consider the scarring involved, loss... more

Age for Breast Reduction

If you are wearing a K cup bra with symtoms, you definitely are a candidate for a breast reduction. I have occasionally performed reductions on patients younger than you and have also performed the procedure on Medicare-aged patients. It has more to do with size and symrtoms than age.

Breast reduction in a young woman

Nicole, There is no age restriction for when a young woman as to when they can undergo breast reduction, but it demands careful evaluation and discussion between you, your plastic surgeon, and your parents since you are a minor. You need to have a clear understanding of the goals of the surgery as well as the potential risks and complications let alone the scars that will result from the surgery. A K cup size is large, but it has to be looked at in terms of your weight, height, etc. I... more

Age is reletive

Age is less important than your size and if you are still enlarging or have been stable for a number of years. A reduction is great surgery and helps lots of young women.

Appropriate age for teenage breast reduction

Hi Nicole16. There are no absolute guidelines but there are several things that are taken into consideration. When considering surgery in teenagers, doctors want to be sure that the majority of your physical development has occurred. This applies to surgeries such as breast reduction and rhinoplasty. The second consideration is how emotionally and psychologically mature you are. Third,does everyone (meaning you and your parent/guardian) understand the surgery, its risks, benefits,... more