I Am 17 Years Old. Would I Be Able to Get a Breast Reduction?

Question

I have size 34G breasts and I am looking to go down to a small C or full B. Would I be able to get a breast reduction even though I am not yet 18? Also, around what would the cost be for just a reduction? No breast lift or anything else. Thanks so much!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question.

	Based on your description,  you may very well be an excellent candidate for breast reduction surgery.

	As  you think  about  breast reduction surgery make sure you do your homework and understand the potential risks and complications associated with  the procedure.  Make sure you also understands 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 &ldquo;hoops&rdquo; 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 &ldquo;authorization&rdquo; for the procedure. This documentation and letter/pictures from your plastic surgeon will help you obtain authorization.

	Make sure you're  working with a well-trained/experienced board-certified plastic surgeon. 

	I hope this helps.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

You could be a candidate for a breast reduction if you have parental consent. The cost can vary quite a bit depending on your geographical location. As stated above the national average is about $7500. If you have medical insurance you might qualify under your plan and have little to no out of pocket expense. You need to have a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to determine if you are a candidate, and your surgeon should be able to help you get pre authorization for your surgery. Good Luck!

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

17 is an acceptable age to have a breast reduction as long as you have permission from a parent or guardian who has to accompany you to your consultation and also your surgery and sign all of the paperwork.  Unless you are an emancipated minor.  The legal age for you to have surgery without the consent of a parent is 18.

Mark Preston, MD · Answer

Breast Reduction can be done at age 17, but you will need to have parental consent. As for the cost, most breast reductions are covered by insurance, so your individual cost would depend on the specifics of your insurance plan.

	Several options for surgery will be available:

	
		A liposuction only reduction
	
		a minimal scar reduction 
	
		a standard inverted T reduction


	The best option for you will depend on your goals and your specific anatomy. Your surgeon can discuss this with you.

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

Even at 17 years of age size, given your large cup size, you may very well be able to have a breast reduction. Because you are not of legal age (unless you are an emancipate minor), you would need to discuss this with a parent/legal guardian as they would need to sign for surgery.

	If your parent(s) have insurance for you that covers breast reduction, you may be able to have this performed using this policy which would reduce the out of pocket expenses. Paying for this without insurance will cost a lot more our of pocket and would depend on the local costs - surgical fee, anesthesia and outpatient center.

	I would recommend consulting a competent board certified plastic surgeon for evaluation. One more consideration would be whether your breasts are still growing. This and other issues can be discussed at the time of your consultation.

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I Am 17 Years Old. Would I Be Able to Get a Breast Reduction?

Answers (9)

Answer: Breast Reduction at age 17

Answer: Breast Reduction at age 17

Answer: Is a breast reduction possibly in a 17 year old girl wearing a 34G bra?

Answer: Is a breast reduction possibly in a 17 year old girl wearing a 34G bra?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.