I'm 15, and have 32F breasts. Should I get a Breast Reduction?

Question

Ever since I was 11 I've had big blood. At 11 I had 34c's. Now at 15, and since I was 12 I've had 32f. It causes me back and neck pain and I get marks on my shoulders from my bra. Clothing choices are limited and I love ballet, but all leotards hurt my shoulders and my boobs weigh them down. I also sometimes reel upset,and nervous thinking about them and worry because they are too big. Should I consider a reduction to make me feel more comfortable mentally and physically?

William T. Stoeckel, MD · Answer

Breast reduction is a great surgical procedure for patients that are having issues with back and neck pain, shoulder grooving, psychological distress due to their large breasts, etc. This seems to be happening to you even though you are only 15. I don't think that this is too early to consider the procedure, but there are things to consider. You need to have a complete understanding of the surgery, its risks, and the possibility that you might have juvenile virginal hypertrophy which is a condition that might require another breast reduction later if the tissue continues to grow. You will need the support of your parents as well. But the surgery could certainly benefit you and would be something to discuss with a board certified plastic surgeon in your local area.

Luis Macias, MD, FACS · Answer

With the amount of symptoms that you describe many plastic surgeons will consider you for a breast reduction with your parent's permission.   Of course, this requires an in person consultation so that you can be examined and interviewed by the surgeon.  Make sure your parent or legal guardian are with you during the consultation. Best of luck.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about the physical and psychosocial problems your disproportionately large breasts are causing you. 
It is probable that 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 your frame causing  both physical and psychological distress.
In my practice, timing of breast reduction surgery is determined on a case-by-case basis. It is not too early to do your homework and learn as much as possible  about  breast reduction surgery and the potential risks and complications associated with  the procedure.  Hopefully you have the support of your parents as you do your homework.
As you learn about breast reduction surgery, make sure you read about the potential risk/complications associated with the procedure. You may find the attached link helpful in this regard.  For example, unsatisfactory scarring is  one of the potential complications. Make sure you also understand that further surgery may be necessary in the future (for example if the breasts were to grow in size again).
On the other hand, breast reduction surgery is one of the most patient pleasing operations we perform and I think that for the right teenager (enough symptoms) it may be an excellent option (regardless of the age).

Sometimes breast  reduction surgery is covered through health insurance. The best way to obtain insurance coverage for breast reduction surgery involves some “hoops” to jump through. The more documentation you have (for example, from your primary care doctor, physical therapist, chiropractor etc.) the better when it comes to obtaining insurance “authorization” for the procedure.
This documentation and letter/pictures from your plastic surgeon will help you obtain authorization.
 When the time is right,  seek consultation with well-trained/experienced board-certified plastic surgeons.
I hope this, and the attached link, helps.

Jeffrey Ditesheim, MD, FACS · Answer

Dear Lucyh98:  a few thoughts that may be helpful:1. Are you "ready" emotionaly and mentally to have a surgical procedure that will make a permanent change to your body?  2. Are your parents supportive?  Do they understand your discomfort?3. Would you like to read a blog written by a 17 yr old who also had a similar situation? the link for the blog is listed below4. In a nutshell:  if you are "ready" then yes a breast reduction will be life changing.  The youngest patient I have had for a breast reduction is 14, and I have had many young women in their teens have a breast reduction who had similar issues.  The pain goes away immediately.  But scars are for a lifetime so consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who has experience with teenage patients for breast surgery.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

If you have very large breasts and are having symptoms as a result of the weight, then you might want to consider a consultation with your parents' approval.

Lee E. Corbett, MD · Answer

What I have been told by my Ob-Gyn colleagues is that your breast size will stay relatively constant once you are about 3-4 years out from the start of your menstrual cycle. If you have reached that point your parents will have to take you to see a plastic surgeon to see if you are a good candidate at this time.

Robert L. Kraft, MD, FACS · Answer

You should definitely consider this procedure and ascertain whether it will be covered by your insurance and also if you will be required to wait until age 18 or establish that you have undergone conservative medical management of the macromastia.  Best of luck!

I'm 15, and have 32F breasts. Should I get a Breast Reduction?

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