Getting breast reduction at 18 with or without parent knowledge?

Thank you for your question.At 18 years of age, yes, you can obtain insurance and see if you qualify for breast reduction.

To be sure what is right for you, see two or more experienced,
board-certified Plastic Surgeons for a complete evaluation to make sure you are
a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have surgery.

I hope this helps.

I'm sorry to hear about the physical and (possible) 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 will receive the support of your parents as you do your homework.
As you learn about breast reduction surgery, make sure you read 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 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).

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. Best wishes.

Under your own coverage you can at age 18 have breast reduction without parent involvement, and can even under family coverage as HIPPA, or health information privacy your parents are able to know only what you allow them to. You can even make your own decisions earlier if "emancipated" usually meaning you have children of your own. Breast reduction is a very important decision and we would hope you are in a supporting environment for any decision you make.

Why would you want to undergo such a big procedure without your parents knowledge?  Do you think they are not going to find out?  Talk to them about it. 

Under the Affordable Care Act, you will be on your parents' insurance past age 18.  Legally, they do not have to be involved in your medical decisionmaking past that point. However, it is important to be in a supportive environment and IMHO this is not like an augment or liposuction. If the weight of your breasts affects your back, causes rashes, etc., then it should not be viewed differently than any other medically indicated procedure. I would encourage you to discuss with your parents and educate them as to the issues involved.

At the age of 18, some people have not completed breast development completely, and can continue to get larger after a reduction. If you really do not want to get your family involved, I would recommend at least getting a consultation for a reduction after you turn 18 (that way your parents will not have to consent for any treatments nor be present at the consultation), so you can understand what is involved in the actual surgery, healing and implications for the future such as breastfeeding babies and long-term expectations for breast size.