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

Question

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and picture.
	Based on the description of your body type you have likely experienced  the physical and psychological "symptoms"  secondary to the relatively large breasts. Your breasts may have also limited you in doing  the activities that you enjoy doing.  It  is very likely that you will be  a great 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.  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.

	 I hope this helps.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

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.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

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.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

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.

David Mattos, MD · Answer

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

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

Answers (12)

Answer: Breast Reduction Candidate at Young Age?

Answer: Breast Reduction Candidate at Young Age?

Answer: Breast reduction

Answer: Breast reduction

Answer: Breast reduction

Answer: Breast reduction

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Answer: Wait Until Breasts Have Stopped Growing Before Proceeding With Breast Reduction Surgery

Answer: Wait Until Breasts Have Stopped Growing Before Proceeding With Breast Reduction Surgery

Answer: Yes

Answer: Yes

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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

Answers (12)

Answer: Breast Reduction Candidate at Young Age?

Answer: Breast Reduction Candidate at Young Age?

Answer: Breast reduction

Answer: Breast reduction

Answer: Breast reduction

Answer: Breast reduction

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Answer: Wait Until Breasts Have Stopped Growing Before Proceeding With Breast Reduction Surgery

Answer: Wait Until Breasts Have Stopped Growing Before Proceeding With Breast Reduction Surgery

Answer: Yes

Answer: Yes

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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