Breast reduction for a 15 year old?

Question

I'm 14 and would not have a reduction until atleast I'm 15. I am 5'3" and weigh roughly 145 pounds. My bra size (which has been sized by multiple 'professionals') is 34G. I have neck, shoulder and back problems. Not to mention horrific posture. My mom is open to the idea and I've done my research, I know the risks I would face by having a reduction and that at my age I might require additional syrgery. I'm curious if doctors would be willing to perform the surgery and what their thoughts on it are.

Robert F. Centeno, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you very much for your question.  Given your age, the size of your breasts and the symptoms that you are experiencing, a breast reduction is indicated in your situation.  The benefits are both physical and psychological.  The benefits by far outweigh the risks of the procedure even at your age.  Discuss scheduling a consultation with a board certified Plastic Surgeon so that you can address this issue.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

You are definitely a candidate for a breast reduction based on your symptoms and size. There are many plastic surgeons that specializes in the pediatric population. It is excellent that you have done some research yourself. The next step is scheduling a consultation with a boarded plastic surgeon for an examination and physical to discuss the specifics of this procedure. #BreastReduction #JuvenilleBreastHypertrophy #PlasticSurgery

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question!  I hope that these answers help in making your decision.  You suffer from juvenile hypertrophy of the breasts, which is typically treated by breast reduction.  It is not uncommon to have the symptoms that you describe such as neck/back/shoulder pain as well as infections/rashes and shoulder grooving, especially in teenagers once her breasts begin to fully develop.  Once one begins to have the symptoms that you state above, consideration for a surgical procedure to ameliorate your symptoms, assist with self esteem, and allow you to get back to physical activities in your youth should be done.  Given your symptoms,  you would be an ideal candidate.  You must first discuss with your parents and pediatrician, and then consulting with a plastic surgeon for evaluation and examination to assist you in deciding if this would be the right thing for you.  Your surgeon will also go over what to expect as well as the risks and benefits of the procedure.  Overall, your symptoms should be ameliorated almost immediately and hopefully give you more self confidence and an increased activity level.  Your breasts may still continue to grow over the next several years, but it is certainly reasonable to consider this at this age with the issues that you are having.  I hope that this helps!  Good luck with your decision!

Edwin C. Pound, III, MD · Answer

Most doctors prefer to wait until a patient is 18 before performing surgery.  This is the age at which you have pretty much reached your full adult proportions and would not be expected to change much more physically.  Also, it is an age when we feel that you are best prepared mentally and emotionally to handle the rigors of surgery and its possible consequences.  That said, one of the exceptions to this "rule" is in cases such as yours, where the size of your breasts is impairing your lifestyle and causing you functional problems.  You and your parents (you would need for them to be on board with this since you are a minor) should schedule a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can examine you in person and review your options with you.

Brian Coan, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for sharing your questions about having a breast reduction.  Based on the limited information here it does sound like you may benefit from a breast reduction. The breast reduction surgery is sometimes covered by health insurance so the next step would be to contact your health insurance provider and ask about the pre certification items needed. You may want to view before and after photos to get an idea of what to expect for scarring, however this varies from patient to patient so a thorough discussion of this would be important for you and your plastic surgeon.Consider setting up a consultation with a plastic surgeon who has one if not all these credentials:*Board Certified by the
American Board of Plastic Surgery -- The gold star symbol
*A member of the ASPS (American Society of
Plastic Surgeons) -- The circle symbol
*A member of the ASAPS (American Society for
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) -- the Queen Nefertiti symbol with a Triangle

Very best to you.
 -Dr. Brian Coan

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

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 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 (dedicated to juvenile breast hypertrophy surgery), helps.  Best wishes.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

While a reduction can be done at 15 I would caution to wait until you have fully grown. You will also need parental permission to be seen for consultation.

Breast reduction for a 15 year old?

Answers (7)

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