What Age Is Too Young Of A For Breast Lift I Am A Young Teen With Sagging Breast?

Question

I Am A Young TeenagerTurning 16 Soon. I Have These Big Breast Whom I Dont Know Which Family Member I've Gotten It From. I Was A Pre-Mature Baby So Im Just Assuming I Got It 1 Month Early. Anyways I Have No Problem With My Chest Size(38DD) Its Just That Fact That My Breast Sag. I've Been Thinking About It For Some Time And I Would Like To Get A Breast Lift But Im Too Ashamed To Asked My Parents So I Looked Online. I Would Really Like This But I Would Like To Know The Facts Before I Tell My Parents

Jeff Angobaldo, MD · Answer

Thank your for your question. Generally 18 years of age would physically appropriate to have this surgery. But not all 18 years olds are emotionally mature enough to undergo this life changing event. When you are ready, make sure you consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeron.

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

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.   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!

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

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.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about the physical and psychosocial problems your disproportionately large breasts are causing you. 
	It is probable that you are dealing with juvenile breast hypertrophy along with the physical and psychosocial consequences of this diagnosis. In other words, the breasts are too large for your frame causing  both physical and psychological distress.

	Although it may be slightly too early to undergo this procedure, it is not too early to do your homework and learn as much as possible  about  breast reduction surgery and the potential risks and complications associated with  the procedure.  Hopefully, cnce you explain the issues at hand, you will have the support of your parents as you do your homework.

	Unsatisfactory scarring is  one of the potential complications. 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 “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. When the time is right,  seek consultation with well-trained/experienced board-certified plastic surgeons.  

	I hope this, and the attached link, helps.

David Finkle, MD · Answer

A breast reduction is performed to reduce the size and change the shape of breasts by lifting them.  Large heavy breasts can lead to symptoms such as neck and upper back pain, frequent headaches, rashes and infections under the breasts, painful grooves in the shoulders from bra straps, difficulty finding clothes to wear, difficulty exercising, teasing and low self esteem.

	Teenage breast reduction is performed to help the girls "fit in" to the crowd, to become more "normal".   If the teenager is mature and understands the risks and potential complications of the procedure, this can become a life changing event.

	Julie, if you are a 38DD, you might be a candidate for a breast reduction procedure.  Please consult with a board certified plastic surgeon who performs frequent breast reductions and is comfortable working on teenagers.

	Many insurance companies will pay for breast reduction surgery.  The procedure can be performed as an outpatient with a quick 3-5 day recovery, dissolvable sutures and no drain tubes are used  The typical scar is in the shape of a lollipop or balloon, around the nipple/areola and vertically down from the 6 o'clock position.  It is not a painful procedure.

	Good Luck!

Jourdan Gottlieb, MD · Answer

In the absence of symptoms which might lead to a breast reduction, most surgeons would want a patient to be 18 years of age to consider a breast lift operation. Among other reasons, not all young women have reached full breast growth by age 16, so the possibility of need another lift is there if one is done prematurely. 

	I would not discourage beginning the process with a consultation. At your age you might do well to see a children's plastic surgeon. If you are near a university medical center you can probably find on at the children's hospital affiliated with the university.

	All the best.

Scott L. Replogle, MD (retired) · Answer

Lifting the breast is considered a cosmetic procedure and would not generally be done until the patient is fully grown and can sign her own consent (age 18).

	Breast reduction (which may include a lift) is considered a functional procedure and may be covered by medical insurance as medically necessary and may be done before age 18 if the situation is judged serious enough. It doesn't sound like you're interested in, old enough, or feel you need a breast reduction. 

	I would suggest learning about lift procedures and what they do and don't do and consider this when you turn 18. The situation would be similar if you thought your breasts were too small and you were considering a breast augmentation to make them larger. Learn about the options and consider it when you are fully grown and can sign your own consent.

What Age Is Too Young Of A For Breast Lift I Am A Young Teen With Sagging Breast?

Answers (7)

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