I'm 13 years old and 34FF. Can I Get a Breast Reduction at 14?

Question

I'm 13 years old and 34FF, I live in the UK, I'm 5ft 1in and i hate my breasts! I am so self conscious, I cant wear 'normal' bras like my friends, I have to wear special supportive ones which don't put much pressure on the straps. I get back pains and I've recently been getting a bad neck, I've had shoulder grooves since i was 10. I wondered if i would be too young and/or eligible for a breast reduction on the NHS?? I put 14 because I'm nearly 14 and I wouldn't have it until then anyway. Thanks.

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 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 helps.

Edwin C. Pound, III, MD · Answer

Plastic surgeons prefer to avoid doing surgery on patients until they turn 18.  This is a rather arbitrary number, however, we have to draw a line somewhere.  The reason for this is that, at age 18, we feel that the patient has reached his/her adult proportions physically and is better prepared mentally and emotionally for the rigors of surgery and potential post-operative issues that may arise.  That said, one of the exceptions to this would be for breast reductions.  This is considered a functional rather than a cosmetic issue and doctors WILL generally agree to do breast reduction surgery on patients who are under 18 years old.  I don't know if there is a different attitude about breast reductions in the U.K., but that is the consensus here in the U.S.  On the flip side of that coin, being 14, if you have a breast reduction at your age, there is a possibility that your breasts may still be growing and another breast reduction may be necessary later on.

Tracy Kayan, MD · Answer

Hi. I am very sorry to hear you are having all of these issues - these are very common complaints of women with large breasts, and many of these problems do get better with a breast reduction. Given your young age, however, I would not recommend a reduction until your breasts really stop growing or at least slow down somewhat. The risk of doing a reduction at your age is that you have a higher chance of needing another reduction later in your life, either when your breasts finally stop growing (usually by age 21 or thereabouts) or if/when you have children.

I'm 13 years old and 34FF. Can I Get a Breast Reduction at 14?

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I'm 13 years old and 34FF. Can I Get a Breast Reduction at 14?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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