I'm Only 15 and my Breasts Are Already Saggy - What Can I Do?

Thank you for your question.  At 15 you are likely not finished developing, and most plastic surgeons would choose to wait a few more years prior to pursuing a surgical solution.  That said, it is also somewhat difficult to gauge your situation without seeing you in consultation, or at least in photographs.  Conservatively sized breast implants might be a a reasonable solution (and will give a bit of lift without leaving you looking top-heavy); a mastopexy (breast lift) with or without the use of an implant could be indicated if the degree of sag is significant.

Thank you for your question! It is hard to tell without a physical examination if a lift is what you need.  Seek the advise of a board certified plastic surgeon.  You may have to wait until you are 18 years old.  Best of luck!Dr Dhaval Patel

Double Board Certified 

Plastic Surgeon 

Chicago 

Hoffman Estates

Oak Brook

Thank you for your question! I hope that these answers help in making
your decision. It is not uncommon to have the symptoms that you
describe, especially in teenagers once her breasts begin to fully
develop. It may be that you have juvenile hypertrophy, in which case,
your symptoms may worsen and breast continue to grow and droop over
time.  However, if you are not having any symptoms and desire the procedure to improve the shape, it would be wise to consider this after your breasts have fully developed.  At which time, the shaping could be performed more accurately. Once one begins to have the symptoms that you state
above, consideration for a surgical procedure to ameliorate your
symptoms, assist with self esteem, and allow you to get back to physical
activities in your youth should be done. Given your symptoms, you
would be an ideal candidate. You must first discuss with your parents
and pediatrician, and then consulting with a plastic surgeon for
evaluation and examination to assist you in deciding if this would be
the right thing for you. Your surgeon will also go over what to expect
as well as the risks and benefits of the procedure. Overall, your
symptoms should be ameliorated almost immediately and hopefully give you
more self confidence and an increased activity level. Your breasts may
still continue to grow over the next several years, but it is certainly
reasonable to consider this at this age with the issues that you are
having. Many surgeons will recommend awaiting until full breast
development prior to consideration, but discuss your concerns. I hope
that this helps! Good luck with your decision!

Thank you for the question. The truth is there is little you can do. It is unfortunately genetic. The more fluctuation in weight the greater the sag. A great way to slow down the breasts from sagging is to wear a well supported bra. Wearing a bra as much as possible prevents the droopiness of skin and breast tissue. Good luck to you.

         When patients have
significant breast sag, I don’t feel that they should be denied the benefits of
breast lift surgery because of an arbitrary age cutoff. Before proceeding,
there are several unique considerations in this group that must be considered.

 

         One of these is the
issue of breast growth. I would prefer stabilization of breast growth for at
least six months prior to proceeding with surgery. Another issue is the age of
consent. Because of this, parents should be involved in every step of the
decision making process.

 

         Breast lift surgery
is associated with high patient satisfaction rates. Younger patients may
experience benefits that may not occur in older patients. These include less teasing
about their breast sag at a time when their self image is developing and
improved athletic performance at a time when participating in sports is
important.

 

         Without pictures and
a physical exam, it’s hard to know what type of breast lift is best for you. In
some cases where breasts are large, breast reduction can be performed as a
component of your breast lift.

 

         If you’re
considering a breast lift, consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon
is appropriate. It’s also important that your parents be a part of the
decision. 

A breast lift may provide you with an improved contour but it will require incisions and scars on your breasts and you must be prepared for this. Generally it would be best to wait for you to achieve a stable growth. This could also interfere with your ability to nurse following pregnancy. Discuss this with your pediatrician and gyneocologist first.

Restoring shape and volume is what breast enhancement procedures are all about.  When there is loose skin, this must be addressed.  There are many options available with different lift procedures and a multitude of breast implant options.  Here is a basic list of the four options available:

Breast lift alone (mastopexy)Breast lift combined with a small breast implant (below the muscle)Breast lift followed by a large breast implant (2 separate procedures)Breast implant alone (on top of the muscle, silicone)Every woman is built differently and every breast is different, even on the same person.  So, each procedure is customized for every individual.  The final decision on how to proceed can be made after a history and physical examination, detailed measurements, photographs, computer simulation, trying on sizers, reviewing before and after photographs of other women similar in shape and size and talking with your surgeon.  A surgical plan will be developed that depends on:

Patient desiresThe breast "footprint"The expertise of the surgeonCostDown timeScarsRisks and potential complicationsPlease consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who performs breast enhancement procedures frequently.  This is an outpatient procedure with a quick recovery and a very high patient satisfaction rating.

Good Luck!

Every one develops differently and the breasts are no exception.  There is no reason why your breasts developed the way that they did.  The good news is that this problem can be corrected.  I am sure that this effects your self-confidence.  The first step is to seek the care of an experienced plastic surgeon who can explain your alternatives as well as the risks and benefits.  If you are a minor then you may need to have a parent accompany you to the consultation.

Thank you for the question.

I'm surprised and apologize for some of my colleagues'  responses.  I frankly think they are inappropriate....

At your age, the concerns you have may be very legitimate. I would suggest that you begin to do your homework and learn about breast lifting  and the pros and cons associated with the procedure. I would suggest waiting to have any procedures done until the time when you have  reached a plateau in your growth.  It's time the procedure carefully;  some patients wish to have the procedure done after completing pregnancies...

Best wishes.

It is difficult to offer suggestions without a formal exam and consultation.  But, if your breasts are sagging, and if they are quite large,you may be a candidate for a breast reduction which would also lift the breasts.  But, I would wait until you have fully matured, nad a consultation would only be available with parental consent..