I'm 14 years old. Could I get a breast reduction at such a young age?

Question

I'm 14 years of age and My breasts are 34DDD. I have terrible back pain, shoulder pain, and whenever I lay down it's extremely painful for some reason, my lower back muscles tense up and throb before relaxing. It's very difficult for me to do anything. At age eleven they were DD and I was unable to do anything I wanted to like sports, or play with my little sister, or even feel normal within my social group. I'm not covered by insurance, but I'm willing to pay for the procedure.

David Liland, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your pain and psychological issues that are related to your hyperthrophic breast at an early age....but we do see this in our practice of plastic surgery. I have performed Breast Reduction in the teenage years on girls that have your symptoms and especially for the psychological factors you have mentioned. Each case needs to be evaluated on an individual basis and with your guardians present to help understand your issues and the surgical procedure . Of major concern is the question have your breast reached maturity in terms of growth? Have they changed size in the last year? Have you stopped growing in terms of height ? Ideally the reduction should be preformed at the end of breast growth....but not required in certain situations with the patient understanding her breast could grow more after the reduction is done. The best thing would be to see a board certified PS so you can discuss all these issues and determine if you are a good candidate at 14 . Best of Luck

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

At age 14 you can have a breast reduction with
parental consent.I recommend a new
technique called The Ultimate Breast Lift&trade;.The breast tissue is reshaped creating upper pole fullness, elevated
higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage.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.Best Wishes,Gary Horndeski, M.D.

William Franckle, MD, FACS · Answer

The timing of breast reduction is typically more dependent on when the
breast has completed is growth and has a stable size over one full year. The age of the patient is not the most important determining factor.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

It is possible to have surgery at age 14 if you are in good health and have the support of your parents. It is possible that you may need additional surgery when you are older as you probably have not finished developing. However, many young girls do choose to proceed with surgery when they are as uncomfortable as you are. See a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon that specializes in breast surgery with one or both of your parents. 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.

I hope this,  and the attached link, helps.

I'm 14 years old. Could I get a breast reduction at such a young age?

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Answer: Breast Reduction at 14 years of age

Answer: I'm 14 years old. Could I get a breast reduction at such a young age?

Answer: I'm 14 years old. Could I get a breast reduction at such a young age?

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I'm 14 years old. Could I get a breast reduction at such a young age?

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Answer: Breast Reduction at 14 years of age

Answer: Breast Reduction at 14 years of age

Answer: I'm 14 years old. Could I get a breast reduction at such a young age?

Answer: I'm 14 years old. Could I get a breast reduction at such a young age?

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