17 yo, 120 lbs, 5'3", 32 DDD breasts, with terrible back and shoulder pain. Am I a good candidate for a breast reduction?

At size 32 DDD it is unlikely that insurance will cover a breast reduction because you do not have enough volume to remove. 500 grams is the usual minimum amount and would take you down to a size A. However, there is a new technique called The Ultimate Breast Reduction. This technique transfers the weight of the breast to the underlying muscle, which relieves pain without excessive reduction. This technique avoids the ugly vertical scars of the traditional technique, maintains nipple sensation and the ability to breast feed. I highly recommend this procedure to young people because of the long term complications of the traditional technique.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Many girls your age do get breast reductions for the same reasons you describe. It is best to be seen by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon that specializes in breast surgery for an evaluation. If you are finished developing and have parental approval you may be a good candidate.

Based upon your breast size, height, weight and your complaints, you would be a good candidate for breast reduction. It is important that your breast size be stable for at least one year prior to having the procedure performed; if they are still increasing in size at the time of surgery, there is no way to determine your final post-operative size. There are some long term consequences of the procedure, however, that I would recommend you consider strongly before having surgery:The procedure is not reversible, and how you feel about your breast size may change as you get older.The scarring is permanent, including the scars on the front of your breasts. No creams, gels, lasers, etc. will make the scars disappear.Your breasts may change size with future pregnancies, and end up the same, larger or smaller than they are now.You have to assume you will not be able to breast feed following a breast reduction.Arrange consultations with board-certified plastic surgeons experienced at breast reduction. They will review your history, perform a physical exam, and will be able to discuss the procedure with you in detail, to help you decide whether or not it is appropriate for you at the present time.Best wishes.

By size alone you might be a very good candidate for breast reduction and we often see teens in our practice. The decision is based on individual understanding of the trade off such as scars, and the decreased abilty to breast feed, and the emotional maturity to know yourself well enough to be certain of your choice. We find a good time school wise is after senior year when there is a transition in friends and activities.

Breast Reduction Surgery is a highly successful procedure that removes fat, glandular tissue and skin from the breast to alleviate the physical symptoms of pain and skin irritation. However, the surgeons at Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery also endeavor to restore a woman's sense of femininity and natural beauty by restoring the breasts to a more elevated, youthful, and aesthetically pleasing shape that is balanced with the patient's body. Thus, a truly successful Breast Reduction, not only reduces the size of the large breasts, but also lifts them to a higher position, reduces the size of large areola (the circular colored part of the nipple), and provides a more youthful feminine and balanced shape.Usually surgery is an option once the breasts have fully matured (after puberty); however, there are rare cases where extremely large breasts in young women can be reduced before full maturity. The best surgical candidates are those women who are also mature enough to understand the procedure and have realistic expectations about the results. Women who have a strong desire to breast feed after surgery are strongly cautioned that any breast surgery has a risk of altering her ability to breast feed successfully.