Is it possible to get a breast reduction at 13 years old?

Question

The title says it all. I am 13 years old, about 130 pounds, most muscle, and in the process of loosing weight. I have size 32F boobs, and they kill me. I have horror back pain, I love to workout and be active (especially running) and every time I have to cut it short because I get the back pain that is so unbearable! Forget about physical problems, my boobs have caused my to HATE my body. I can't stand it. AT ALL. I'm so sick of them. Finding a bra is horrible. I don't even wear an actual bra!

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for the question. It would be ideal to wait for a few more years. It is also important to have the Suze to be stable for a year or so.Please consider being evaluated in person by a board certified Plastic surgeon to get a more individualized consultation. hope this is helful.

Michael S. Beckenstein, MD · Answer

You are young for this and your breasts might still be growing (sorry!), but a fact. If you had a reduction now, there is a chance your breasts may enlarge again, where another reduction might be needed. When your bra size has not changed and you have not gained any weight, for a year, then you,can consider proceeding with consulting a plastic surgeon for a reduction.of,course your parents need to be involved with this entire process. Good luck!

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

It is possible to get a breast reduction at your age, however you need support from your parents. You also need to be aware of several things such as: you probably aren't finished developing yet and may need additional surgery it the future, there will be scars, and it is possible you might have problems breastfeeding in the future. However, many young women suffer as you are and the tradeoffs are worth it to them. I recommend that you see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with one or both of your parents to find out what options are available to you. Good luck!

Robert W. Kessler, MD, FACS · Answer

It is uncommon to perform breast reduction surgery before full breast development which is usually by age 18. There are exceptions to these situations as some young woman develop benign breast masses which cause the breasts to grow unusually large. This would most likely have been diagnosed by your pediatrician by now.Woman also develop physically at different times and your stage at this point would be helpful in making this decision. If the surgery is performed before development is complete you may experience further growth in the breasts, this may compromise your results and require additional procedures in the future.Input from your pediatrician and parents will be required to come to a decision about how to proceed.Reduction surgery will help with your physical symptoms, improve your ability to exercise and with your self image. Scars will be created to achieve this and although you may not be thinking of this now, your ability to breast feed a baby will most likely be compromised.Gather the information from your pediatrician specifically asking your Tanner Stage and overall development, sit down and discuss this with your parents and then find a board certified plastic surgeon with post operative images that appeal to you. Schedule your consultation to begin understanding what needs to be done

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.In my practice, timing of breast reduction surgery is determined on a case-by-case (Individualized) basis.  Based on your description, you may be an excellent candidate at some point soon.  It is certainly 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 you 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. Best wishes.

Lauren Greenberg, MD · Answer

Big breasts can be tough. Really tough.  You can't run, buy normal bras, wear normal clothing.  People look at them. No surgeon answering this question doesn't know how much you want to get this done, and want to get it done yesterday. The issue is timing.If you do a breast reduction before you are done growing:1. You may need to do another breast reduction because your breasts are still growing.2. Breasts are all about proportion to the body. If you don't know how tall or heavy you are going to be, it is hard to be accurate.3. When your skin is tight, particularly if you are still growing, the scarring may be worse.We recommend you are done growing in height, weight, and breast size and are stable there for one year.  When you got your first period is a good data point as well.Hang in there. Breast reductions are great and can be done for certain patients before age 18.

Andrew T. Cohen, MD, FACS · Answer

I have performed many breast reductions on teenagers.  Must have parents there for consent.   It will change your life.   A breast reduction does put a permant scar on your breasts so it is good to see lots of pictures and make sure your parents find a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. I perform about 3-4 breast reductions a week. I use an inferior pedicle Wise Pattern technique which is an anchor incision... around the areola and vertically down and underneath the breast.   I use liposculpture to sculpt the sides of the breast to keep them round.   Breast reduction patients are our happiest.  Good luck!Andrew Cohen, MD

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for your question and the short answer is YES but it would require parental consent and ideally for your breasts to have been stable in size for a year.Dr. Corbin

Edward J. Domanskis, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

Yes, a breast reduction can be done as early as 13. Girls develop at different ages and especially if there is a problem, that is, large breasts, and realistic motivation and expectations, a breast reduction can be done. You do need to have your parents consent and be aware that you will have scars and that in some cases the breast tissue may regrow. My patients have been pleased in spite of these. In many cases we can get the procedure covered by your insurance.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

It is possible to do the surgery but definitely not wise. Surgery needs to wait until your breast size has been stable for at least 12 months and also you would need parental support and consent if you are under 18 at the time of surgery.

Is it possible to get a breast reduction at 13 years old?

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