Is 17 too young for breast reduction surgery?

Question

I've never been sized until recently, so I'm not sure if I'm done growing (It's been 4 years since I started my period). As a 34D I knew I would want reduction surgery. Now, as a 38F, my mom finally mentioned it. I have stretch marks, neck problems, back problems, I get daily headaches, my hands go numb periodically (all symptoms I've read about). I feel uncomfortable about the way I look- it also hurts to run, and I used to love running. I'm not sure if I should wait or just go ahead and do it.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

One month ago I performed a breast reduction on a 17
year old woman with a situation similar to yours.Her mother and her had been discussing it for
years and finally agreed to go ahead with surgery.She suffered from neck, back and shoulder
pain and could not participate in physical activities at school.I recommend a new technique called The
Horndeski Method&trade;.The weight of the
breast is transferred to the underlying muscle resulting in immediate pain
relief without excessive reduction.The
breast tissue is reshaped creating upper pole fullness, elevated higher on the
chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage.This technique avoids the ugly vertical scars
of the traditional technique, maintains nipple sensation and the ability to
breast feed.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Sheila S. Nazarian, MD · Answer

If you are in pain, then 17 is a fine age to undergo breast reduction.  Insurance may even cover some or all of the procedure.

Jeffrey S. Rosenthal, MD · Answer

Teenage females with significant symptom of neck and back may have breast reduction surgery if they are psychologically mature and have finished their major growth phase.  The reduction will significantly alleviate shoulder and neck discomfort if they are arising from the enlarged breasts.

Lee E. Corbett, MD · Answer

I have asked several Ob-Gyn doctors about breast development and the answer I have gotten is that breast development is usually complete 2 to 3 years after the onset of your period. So, in your case, a breast reduction seems like a reasonable option.

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. I am glad you have the support of your mother as you do your homework.It will be important that you learn about the potential risks/complications associated with breast reduction surgery. 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, and the attached link, helps.  Best wishes.

Enriquillo Clime Rivera, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and thank you for the questionsorry to hear about your problems, but if you are in painyou need to seek the treatment of a certified surgeonplease try to get your family involved with the treatment

Thomas Guillot, MD (retired) · Answer

Not at all. If you are symptomatic; that is, large pendulous breasts with shoulder grooving and back and neck pain then you can benefit from a breast reduction.  Please see a board certified plastic surgeon to determine if you qualify for insurance coverage and discuss your options.

Is 17 too young for breast reduction surgery?

Answers (7)

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