My daughter is 14 yrs old and has 32DDD which is causing her back/neck pain. Can a minor get a Breast Reduction?

Question

My daughter is 14 and has dealt with 32ddd breast for the past 3 years. It causes back and neck pain and the straps on her bras also leave marks on her shoulders so she goes to a physical therapist which has not helped relieve her pain. My question is, Is it legal for an minor to receive breast reduction surgery and would an insurance company even consider covering part of the cost?

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Minors can get breast reductions with parental
consent.At size 32 each 100 grams of
removed corresponds to 1 cup size change.I recommend a new technique called The Ultimate Breast ReductionTM.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.

Joe Gryskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Ash,Yes, we have done young women in their early teens.  Yes, insurance did cover them.  As far as I know, most or all went on to breast feed later in life.  No guarantee, however.  Several needed a secondary BR because their breasts continued to grow.  All the best, "Dr. Joe"

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello!  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. The decision of whether to proceed as well as the timing will ultimately be yours.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 - it is a safe 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!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am glad your daughter has your attention and support; juvenile breast hypertrophy can be quite distressing physically,  emotionally, and psychosocially. A good place to start would be with her pediatrician and/or any specialist (endocrinologist) necessary.
Although it is probably too early to consider breast reduction surgery, it is not too early to learn about the procedures  available,  as well as the potential risk/complications associated with breast reduction surgery.In my practice, timing of breast reduction surgery is determined on a case-by-case basis.    
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.

My daughter is 14 yrs old and has 32DDD which is causing her back/neck pain. Can a minor get a Breast Reduction?

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Answer: My daughter is 14 yrs old and has 32DDD which is causing her back/neck pain. Can a minor get a Breast Reduction?

Answer: My daughter is 14 yrs old and has 32DDD which is causing her back/neck pain. Can a minor get a Breast Reduction?

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My daughter is 14 yrs old and has 32DDD which is causing her back/neck pain. Can a minor get a Breast Reduction?

Answers (4)

Answer: My daughter is 14 yrs old and has 32DDD which is causing her back/neck pain. Can a minor get a Breast Reduction?

Answer: My daughter is 14 yrs old and has 32DDD which is causing her back/neck pain. Can a minor get a Breast Reduction?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

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