I'm 16 years old, over 250lbs, and have a size 38H breast size. Am I a candidate for Breast Reduction?

Question

Am I eligible for breast reduction so I can began exercising to get off this weight? I dont want to be this size. My breast make it so hard for me to do anything. It shortens my breath, hurts my back and shoulders, and leave indentation marks. Its hard for me to even find the right size bras and shirts. Please say you're able to help me.

Jeremy S. Hurren, BSc, MBBS, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question.There is no doubt that having large breast reduced is very helpful with the symptoms of large breasts.However, your elevated weight raises the question as to if loosing weight would not help. Breast reduction surgery with an elevated BMI increases the risks of complications with surgery so this would need to be considered very carefully.Finally at 16 years your breasts may go on developing. If breasts are reduced while still growing you may find that you undergo surgery only to need it again in a relatively short time span.Ideally you would address your weight first and then get advice from a suitably trained and experienced plastic surgeon.Good luck and best wishes

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about the physical and (possible) psychosocial problems your disproportionately large breasts are causing you.  In other words, the breasts are too large for your frame causing  both physical and (possible) psychological distress.
Although you will likely be an excellent candidate for breast reduction surgery at some point, you will be much better off achieving closer to a long-term stable weight prior to proceeding. Doing so, will increase the safety of the operation, likely improve the outcome of the operation, and decrease chances that additional surgery will be necessary in the near future.   It will also be important for you to learn about the potential risks/complications associated with this procedure.  For an 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.  Ask to see lots of examples of their work and communicate your goals carefully as well.
I hope this, and the attached link, helps.  Best wishes.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

I think that at 260 lbs you should really think about losing weight first before considering undergoing a breast reductions. Best of luck.

I'm 16 years old, over 250lbs, and have a size 38H breast size. Am I a candidate for Breast Reduction?

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