I Am 17 Years Old. I Am a Size 32J in Bras, 5'5 and 150lbs. Am I Eligible for a Breast Reduction? (photo)

Breast reduction can certainly help you, however you should see an experienced board certified plastic surgeon for a medical consultation to find out if this is right for you. During the consultation, you'll discuss the risks associated with the procedure so you can make an informed decision.  

         Not only do you have
large breasts at an early age, but you’re already suffering significant
symptoms. I generally prefer to wait until the breast have stopped growing
before proceeding with breast reduction, but in your case, early intervention
may be appropriate because of your symptoms.

 

         I recommend
consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon. Obviously your parents
need to be involved in the process as well. Breast reduction has significant
benefits and patients who undergo the procedure at an early age experience the
benefits over a lifetime. There are downsides as well. These include the
potential inability to breast feed, prolonged healing, decreased nipple
sensation and scarring. In my experience, patients who undergo breast reduction
at an early age not only experience relief of these symptoms, but also an
improved quality of life. 

Great question. More and more, we are operating and doing breast reductions on patients who are still teenagers like yourself, because it has such a positive impact on the patient's quality of life and improves back pain. For many women, it is very hard to be active, do exercise, etc. when breasts are so large. Ideally, it is good to wait until the breast size is stable for at least a year, and the patient is done growing and maturing. If those criteria are met, then it's perfectly safe to undergo a breast reduction, and only a small percentage of those patients will require a secondary reduction years down the road. Insurance is also covering reductions for patients your age, especially with large breasts such as yours. The key thing for this age group to understand is that there is a chance it could impact the patient's ability to breast feed down the road, and most patients are ok with that tradeoff of slightly higher risk.
-Dr. David Mattos, New York Plastic Surgical Group

Based on the information you provided you would be a good candidate for this procedure. Sometimes if criteria are met it is covered by insurance. I encourage you to meet with a board certified plastic surgeon near you for a consultation. I've included a video I hope you find helpful.

There is not an age limit for breast reduction surgery. It is best to wait at least 1 year from the time that your breast finishes growing. This will allow for optimal correction, and minimizes the possibility that you need a 2nd surgery soon afterwards. In addition to being a candidate, you will need to be able to have parental consent and provide informed consent (or have your parent's provide informed consent on your behalf). When you are ready, consult in person with 3 experienced and expert board certified plastic surgeons to understand your options.

Reductions can be done as early as 15 with parental consent, and the proper medical clearances. Insurance coverage is a hit or miss depending on the carrier.  Some insurance will cover if you have symptoms related to large breasts. Breast reductions are the most gratifying operations because years of neck, back and shoulder pain are gone within days.  The final size result depends on your starting size. If you start larger then you will likely end larger. It is not possible to choose a size with any real accuracy. The main reason is that the procedure removes breast tissue but leaves enough tissue to preserve the blood supply to the nipple and areola. Thus more tissue needs to be left behind to ensure nipple viability. The nipple and areola is constantly being accessed during the operation.

Unclothed photos would be much more definitive as to your breast size. In NY, insurance carriers deny everyone under 18 right now. However, at 17, this is a good time to begin exploring the procedure, ascertaining what hurdles you will have to leap over to have the surgery approved by the insurance company and to follow through on this. Good luck!

Breast reduction as a teen can be appropriate provided you have reached maturity in terms of growth, and interms of understanding the trade-off of breast reduction. We like reduction just after senior year and before college as friends will not be as familiar. Remember the reduction can impact breast feeding, hardly on the radar now, and also leaves a scar you must be comfortable with for years to come. Reduction is not just about looks but symptoms as well, and a surgeon in your area might start with a predetermination process with your insurance if he finds you are ready.

Based on your photo of your breast size you would be considered a candidate for breast reduction.  However, problems associated with the size of your breasts are also important considerations: shoulder, back, neck pain, interference with activities, skin irritation, shoulder grooving from your bra.  These are the symptoms that are considered if insurance covers this procedure.  Whether it is a "covered"procedure will depend on the insurance company as some do not even cover this procedure anymore.

The posted photo is really a great IN CLOTHES view, but not helpful. Best to see a boarded PS with a parent to discuss breast reduction after a complete examination.