Can I get a breast reduction at the age of 16?

Question

I'm 16 years old and I have 38 DDD breasts. I hate them. I've had big breasts since 8th grade, them being D's. I have very bad back pains and necks and extremely terrible migraines. I've been to neurologists about the migraines and I've gotten cat scans and all those X-ray type things. Ice also had just about every headache medicine that can be prescribed. They've gone on for 3-4 years and are still awful. I really think that getting a reduction would help all the pains.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

It is possible to get a breast reduction at 16 with parental consent, however most insurance companies will not cover it until you are 18 as it is possible that you are still developing. See a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon that specializes in breast surgery who will be able to explain all your options. Good luck!

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

With
parental consent you can undergo a breast reduction at age 16.  At size 38 DDD each 200 grams of tissue
corresponds to 1 cup size change. 
Insurance companies frequently require a large volume removed (approximately
500 grams) under the assumption that neck, back and shoulder pain will be
relieved by weight reduction.  However,
there is a new technique called The Ultimate Breast ReductionTM.  This technique reshapes breast tissue
creating upper pole fullness, elevates them higher on the chest wall and more
medial to increase your cleavage while reducing your breasts to the size
proportionate for your body.  This
technique does not require over reduction because the weight of the breast is
transferred to the underlying muscle resulting in immediate pain relief.  This technique avoids the ugly vertical scars
of the traditional technique, maintains nipple sensation and the ability to
breast feed.  The traditional technique,
Wise pattern, was developed in 1956 and in my opinion is obsolete because of
the complications and poor esthetic results. Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Eric Swanson, MD · Answer

It's horrible what you have been through.  Nonsurgical treatments simply don't work.  There is no reason at all you should wait.  Be sure to have a vertical reduction by an experienced plastic surgeon, not the anchor scar one.  You are young and deserve to have much smaller breasts with the least amount of scarring and best shape possible.  Your breasts should be a positive, not a negative.  The youngest I've done was 13.  Huge psychological difference afterward.  Your breasts may still be growing so you may need a touchup later, but that's okay.  I've attached a link to my website in case you wish to read more.

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.  While elective Plastic Surgery in teenagers is still a controversial subject, breast reduction for the correction of breast enlargement and back pain is more commonly accepted.  Severe breast enlargement is associated with medically related symptoms including neck, shoulder and back pain.  It can also contribute to headaches and arm numbness. Breast reduction is a very effective treatment to address this problem.  Breast development is complete by age 16 making it an appropriate procedure in teenagers with significant symptoms.  It may have an impact on future breast feeding but the improvement in symptoms outweigh the risks of the procedure.  Your specific situation should be discussed with your parents.  A consultation with a board certified Plastic Surgeon will give you additional information about this commonly performed procedure. Best wishes.

William T. Stoeckel, MD · Answer

It sounds as if you would absolutely be a great candidate for a breast reduction surgery. And I believe that you will be able to get insurance to cover the procedure for you as well. While I typically do not encourage elective surgery for patients under the age of 18, your case is different than most. You still need to understand the risks of surgery and need to have a consultation with a board certified surgeon who can further determine if surgery is the best option for you at this time. But your age, in this case, should not be the determining factor.

M. Scott Haydon, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Based on your reported size and symptoms, you would be a candidate for a breast reduction. It is a very frustrating thing to be that disproportionate to your frame and have it interfere with your lifestyle and potentially contribute to head aches. The reluctance to perform the surgery at age 16 is that your might grow more. This might be a chance that you and your parents are willing to take. Hopefully you can meet with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to walk you through your options. Best of Luck!

Charles Cope, MD · Answer

Hi. If you are having lots of symptoms and can't exercise/swim etc the a breast reduction is still worthwhile. If your breasts are still growing it is better to wait, but if they have stopped then you can go ahead at this stage. Regards Dr Charles Cope

Adrian Richards, MBBS, MSc · Answer

It is possible to have a breast reduction at the age of 16, however this is
normally only performed on people with very large breasts but a normal BMI.The reason for this is that breasts can continue to grow after the age of
16 and normal policy in our practice is to wait until breasts are fully
developed before performing a breast reduction.
If
you have a normal BMI and have a significant problem with excess breast tissue, a breast reduction could be possible.  I hope this has been helpful.

Jeffrey Ditesheim, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your question/  This is a common question many intelligent and mature young women ask.  So many young women have discomfort that is physical and sometimes disabling.  I have attached a blog that you may find helpful.  If reflects another young woman's story and success with breast reduction surgery.  I would suggest a board certified plastic surgeon who has experience with teens and breast reduction surgery.  You will wake up to a whole new world of comfort and confidence.  Good luck

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.
  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.  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. Ask to see lots of examples of their work and communicate your goals carefully.
I hope this,  and the attached link, helps.

Can I get a breast reduction at the age of 16?

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