Is 19 years of age too young to get a Breast Reduction?

Ideally, gynecomastia surgery is delayed until full development, around age 18 after adolescent hormonal influenced breast development ceases. Sometimes it will resolve to a degree afterwards. Also if your child is overweight, often the breasts will diminish with weight loss once in the normal range. However I have operated on several adolescent males to develop gynecomastia for those stigmatized and traumatized by the size of his breasts in severe cases with good results. Yes it is possible they will grow again and another procedure may be required for best results, Discuss the risk vs benefits with your board certified plastic surgeon that has experience in this age group.

Thank you for your question.At the age of 19 given your height, your weight, and your history, it is likely that you are a good candidate for breast reduction surgery.  We certainly try to wait until a young woman is physically mature before proceeding but the numbers that you're giving seem to indicate that  is the case.  Some are concerned that if the breasts are reduced at an early age  they may continue to grow after breast reduction.  While it's not impossible, given your age it is unlikely.  If the breasts were to grow  larger after breast reduction they could be reduced again.No one can guarantee the complete resolution of all of your symptoms with breast reduction because there can be many things that cause the kind of discomfort that you have.  But I feel that most surgeons would certainly believe that it is a step in the right direction.At the age of 19 you must be comfortable with the permanence and visibility of the scars and consider it worth the trade-off.  It is also good to have your parents support both physically and emotionally.Unfortunately, there are no consistent alternatives to surgical breast reduction at present.Best wishes.

There really isn't a way to reduce your breasts other than surgery. If you have stopped developing you may be a good candidate for surgery. You should see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for a consultation, and have your mother go with you so that all your questions can be answered. Good luck!

You obviously have significant symptoms and there is no reason to wait any further for your surgery.  You will require parental consent from both parents before you proceed.

Unfortunately, there is no other way to reduce your breast other than surgery.  I would recommend visiting with several board certified plastic surgeons for consultation.  I would also discuss this issue with your parents.

If you are having discomfort from your breasts, a reduction will make you feel and look better.  Since this procedure is considered more reconstructive than cosmetic, there are no age restrictions to treat your symptoms.  This may even be performed on someone under 18 if they have parental consent and have true discomfort.  Sometimes women whose breasts get very large at a young age, may keep growing even after undergoing a reduction.   There are some women who may need another reduction in the future. 

Actually your reconstructive surgery would be covered by your medical insurance.Your age is not a problem, you just have to acknowledge that after a breast reduction it would be a very high risk of not being able to breastfeed and sensibility issues.Be encouraged. Your problem have a wonderful opportunity to get solved.Dr. Cardenas

From an age standpoint, you are definitely old enough to have this procedure.  Breast reductions are life changing and it kills me to see some of my older patients that have been suffering (physically and emotionally) with large breasts their whole life and say that they wished they had done something earlier.  To answer your question about options, there are some patients who suffer from juvenile breast hypertrophy which is different from macromastia (or large breasts).  Sometimes, endocrinologist can help with the massive increase in size by using hormonal manipulation to stop the growth or even aid in reduction.  It sounds as though you might be better served with a breast reduction with the understanding that your breasts may change (even grow) afterwards due to hormonal stimulation (birth control pills, pregnancy, etc). Best of luck and hope this helps!

I'm sorry to hear about the physical and (possible) 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. Please let your mother know that, besides breast reduction surgery, there is no good way to reduce breast size.In my practice, timing of breast reduction surgery is determined on a case-by-case basis. 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.   As you learn about breast reduction surgery, make sure you read about the potential risks/complications associated with the procedure. You may find the attached link helpful in this regard.  For example, 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.

I have performed breast reductions on younger women as long as they have stopped growing.  I think 19 is a reasonable age to undergo a a breast reduction. Good luck.