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.

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.