Breast Reduction for a 14 Year Old?

Question

I have a 14 yr. old daughter who wears a 42 bra.  She has Asperger's Syndrome, and suffers from tactile defensiveness.  She has angry, red stretch marks and is constantly the recipient of unwanted attention due to her size.My husband, myself and my daughter all want to have something done soon.  What is your feeling regarding her additional issues and a Breast reduction?  Thank you.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

This is clearly a complex matter and should be handled with a multidisciplinary team involving her therapists, pediatrician, plastic surgeon, and possibly and endocrinologist.
In regards to timing, she seems very young and she may not have completed her growth. In this regard, if it is performed too early, she need to have the procedure performed again due to ongoing growth. Clearly, it would be preferable to have her growth curve plateau and then contemplate the surgery.
The red stretch marks can be treated with retin-a or laser but will do little to alleviate the size of the breasts

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Large breasts can be not only a psychological problem but a functional problem, teens included. However, operations on teenagers must be done with careful attention paid to their expectations of the operation. If those expectations are realistic, the operation will succeed. If they see the operation as a means of solving social problems, it will not and might even be a disaster.
As a parent, the responsibility for choosing an elective operation for a teenager lies with you. Take your time to make sure this is something your child will truly benefit from.  Based on your description, it might be wise to get the opinion of a psychologist or psychiatrist.

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

There is not an age limit for breast reduction surgery. It is best to wait
at least 1 year from the time that your breast finishes growing. This will
allow for optimal correction, and minimizes the possibility that you need a 2nd
surgery soon afterwards. In addition to being a candidate, she will need to be
able to have parental consent and provide informed consent (or have you or her mom provide informed consent on your behalf). When you are ready, consult
in person with 3 experienced and expert board certified plastic surgeons to
understand your options.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

It sounds like 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 the frame causing  both physical and psychological distress.

	It sounds like you have done your homework and understand the potential risk and consultations associated with breast reduction surgery. You also understand 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).

	I would suggest an in-person consultation with a well-trained/experienced board-certified plastic surgeon. Best wishes.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

FIrst, she is only 14 and I would wait until she is of adult height and weight and stops growing.  Then a discussion with her, you and her doctor should be undertaken.

Breast Reduction for a 14 Year Old?

Answers (8)