My daughter is 12 years old and already wearing a 34h bra size is it too soon to consider Breast Reduction surgery?

Hi there.  Thank you for your question!  I know you are concerned with your daughter's breast growth and relating issues that are arising at school.  Middle school is difficult enough on it's own and to have an issue as early breast growth can make it more difficult for your daughter.  I feel she is too young yet to have surgical intervention.  Her breasts will continue to grown until she has finished going through puberty.  Please do take her to a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon just to discuss future options.  Also, purchasing a well fitting sports bra for her would help her during PE. (it may also hide the size of her breasts if it is snug enough)  I wish your daughter the best!

Ouch. One of my best friends in High School went through the same ordeal, so I know it is hard to watch. Age 12 is early for surgical intervention. It is not common to have to redo Breast Reduction surgery; however, the earlier the first Breast Reduction is performed, the greater the change of needing a second, because your daughter's breasts may continue to enlarge after surgery. On the other hand, it is never too early to get a consultation and learn the options. The beauty of plastic surgery is that it is individualized for each patient, and the totality of her situation can be considered. At a minimum, the options can be explained, and there can be a little light at the end of the tunnel. Also, when the time is right, you will already have a plan, and someone you trust to do her Breast Reduction.Best of luck to both of you.

At 12 years old, it is too early to consider breast reduction.  Her breasts will likely enlarge further.  She may need another surgery if a breast reduction is done too early.  If your daughter has reached puberty and the breasts are not getting bigger, then a surgery could be considered. 

I'm sorry to hear about the physical and psychosocial problems your daughter's disproportionately large breasts are causing her. 
It is probable that she is dealing with juvenile breast hypertrophy along with the physical and psychosocial consequences of this diagnosis. In other words, the breasts are too large for her frame causing  both physical and psychosocial 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.   
As she learns about breast reduction surgery, make sure she reads about the potential risk/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 she 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.

This could be a case of juvenile breast hypertrophy and certainly we would not do breast reduction until the breasts have fully developed, but in this case of breast gigantomastia where it causes physical and psychological effects at such an early age, it is not unreasonable to consider breast reduction surgery.  Understanding the fact that she may require another operation or more in the future. Best Regards,

Thank you for your inquiry. It is to soon to think in a breast reduction because you should wait for the tissue to be mature enough to go through this procedure. 17 is an excellent age for this. Good luck

I usually suggest that the girls wait until age 15-16 to allow for the growth of their breasts, and be mature enough to help make the decision for a breast reduction.  However, if she is extremely large and is very motivated, she can have a reduction. She needs to understand that she could still grow, and may need a second surgery. Also, she needs to understand about the scarring, possible numbness, and possibly not be able to breast feed. If she is not very mature for her age, I would suggest waiting. You could take her for a consultation with a plastic surgeon so she can start to understand what is involved with a breast reduction. You may need a referral from her pediatrician for the consultation. You might want to discuss this surgery with her pediatrician first.

Age 12 is too soon for most as there may be further breast development with maturation. There is a condition called virginal hypertrophy which is an indication for early reduction as the breast growth is considered abnormal. Insurance coverage is available and it is not too soon to consult with your pediatrician.

Surgery should only be considered once your daughter's breasts are done growing which is typically after puberty.  I do some breast reductions on 17 year olds and occasionally on 16 year olds, but that's about the youngest.  Consider seeing an endocrinologist and discussing possibility of hormonal therapy to help slow the growth as breast tissue is under hormonal control.  See if they feel it's safe or an option.  You may want to read up on "juvenile breast hypertrophy".