Is Breast Reduction surgery an option for a 16 year old?

Question

I'm fairly petite, just about 5'0, and feel that my breasts are extremely out of proportion to the rest of my body. My current bra size is about a 34I. They cause a fair amount of back and neck pain, and also pain in my rib cage. The skin beneath my breasts is also very red and irritated. Participating in any physical activity is a major challenge for me. I also feel very self-conscious about my appearance due to comments made by others. It causes me a lot of anxiety on a daily basis. Thoughts?

William T. Stoeckel, MD · Answer

Breast reduction may be entirely appropriate for you. But you will need to have a consultation with a plastic surgeon to know for sure. I have operated on a few 16 year old breast reduction patients that I determined were good candidates for the surgery. But I have also turned a few away. Your surgeon will need to make an assessment about your physical, social, emotional, and maturity levels and decide if they are appropriate for the surgery. There is a risk of needing additional surgeries if you are still developing and waiting until full maturity is often good advice. But if you are having serious symptoms, having the surgery earlier than later might be acceptable. You will also need to have the support of your parents.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about the physical and psychosocial problems your disproportionately large breasts are causing. 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. Based on your description, you may be an accident candidate for breast reduction surgery, regardless of your age.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. When the time is right, seek consultation with well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons who can demonstrate significant expense (should such the types of results you will be happy with. Then, careful communication of your goals will be important. I would encourage you not communicate your goals in terms of achieving a specific cup size; as you may know, an “B or C cup” may mean different things to different people, depending on which bra manufacturer makes the bra. In my practice, I prefer the use of goal pictures and/or computer imaging during the communication phase.   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.  I hope this, and the attached link, helps.

Jason Mussman, MD · Answer

It sounds like you would be an excellent candidate for breast reduction.  You may need another breast reduction later in life if you continue to grow.  However, I would not wait to do it later if you are suffering now.  It is ultimately you and your parents decision.  Most patients experience a tremendous increase in their quality of life after their reduction.  Seek the consultation of a board certifed or board eligible plastic surgeon.

Nicholas Tarola, MD · Answer

The problem you describe is more common than you may think.  Large breasts can cause rather significant interference with your daily life as you have mentioned.  To determine whether you are a candidate, I suggest a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.  He or she will educate you fully on the procedure, recovery time, side effects, and possible complications.  The timing of breast reduction surgery is determined on a case-by-case basis but can be performed on someone your age with the symptoms you describe.  Breast reduction surgery can be covered by insurance if the proper documentation can be provided regarding prior treatment for symptoms such as back pain and skin irritation.Hope this helps!

Is Breast Reduction surgery an option for a 16 year old?

Answers (4)

Answer: It IS an option

Answer: It IS an option

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Is Breast Reduction surgery an option for a 16 year old?

Answers (4)

Answer: It IS an option

Answer: It IS an option

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.