What are my options for breast reduction?

Question

I am a 108 lb 5'3" 20 year old woman. I currently wear a 30H bra. Would I qualify for a breast reduction? What would be my options for cup size following a reduction? I will be 21 in November. Am I too young to have this procedure done currently?

Tommaso Addona, MD · Answer

Without pictures or a proper examination, it is difficult to say. However, with a 30H bra size it is likely that you are a candidate for a breast reduction procedure. When you meet with your surgeon, they will go through the insurance process with you as well as finding your body surface area. This calculation will determine the mass in grams per breast that will need to be removed in order to qualify for insurance coverage. I recommend speaking with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options.

Payman Danielpour, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question

Actually you are the ideal candidate for a breast reduction because you have very large breasts and you are young and healthy.  I believe that you would do very well with a breast reduction.

David Branch, MD · Answer

You are not to young for a breast reduction. In regards to if you qualify for a reduction that would depend on what your insurance company states. Typically during a consultation and after the surgeon with give the recommendations and documentation to the insurance company and they will determine if they feel you fall into their guidelines for the reduction. If this is something that you would be paying for as a cosmetic procedure that would be a different story and may not have as many guidelines. I hope this answers your questions.

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. There really isn't an age minimum when it comes to breast reduction. Typically females pubertal stage of development is up until age 19/20 and for males 21/22. Of course our bodies continue to fluctuate slightly. If your breasts are an issue and you would like to address them sooner than later it maybe helpful to have a consultation with your plastic surgeon to go over your options and the scars from the surgery. It can really help improve weight on back/shoulders and breast comfortability.

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This will reduce and reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. The weight of the breast is transferred to the underlying pectoralis major muscle resulting in pain relief without excessive reduction. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Resourceful198883,
breast reduction is best suited for women who wish to decrease the size of their breasts. While there are different techniques used to perform this surgery, I prefer the vertical incision (lollipop pattern) breast reduction technique instead of the anchor scar pattern, which reduces more noticeable scarring than usual. I also use a SAFE liposuction technique to reduce additional fat around the stubborn axilla area and bra line. This way, my patients are achieving beautiful results with minimal incisions which reduces downtime and delivers an overall better breast shape long term.If you are considering breast reduction surgery, you should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options and make sure your surgeon understands your goals. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Christopher Pannucci, MD, MS · Answer

HI Resourceful,
Based on your height and weight, you'd likely qualify--but it would be best to meet with a qualified PS to be examined. Your PS could estimate the total amount to be removed, and then could estimate your potential size after surgery. 
"Qualify"-from the perspective of insurance, most insurers will calculate your body surface area (at 5'3 and 108 yours is 1.48) and cross reference it with a Schnur Scale (at 1.48, your needed resection per side would be between 238 and 260 grams), and will consider this planned removal weight in light of your PS opinion, plus your history of back/neck/shoulder pain, bra strap grooving, use of physical therapy and chiropractic therapy, and other factors.
21 is not too young. One caveat is that if you intend to have children, the stretching of breast skin and tissue when your milk comes in may marginalize your results. Not all women can breast feed, but since the nipple usually remains attached to breast tissue during a reduction, women who would otherwise have been able to breast feed will still be able to breast feed after reduction.
Hope this helps!
Best,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, WA

Shana Kalaria, MD · Answer

You are a good candidate for a breast reduction at the moment. Women as young as 13 years old have undergone this procedure with a high level of success. You have options when it comes to the size that you would like although I typically recommend a large C/small D. I would recommend meeting with a board-certified plastic surgeon and reviewing before and after photos. Good luck!

Kerstin Oestreich, MD · Answer

There is no age limit for breast reduction. Large droopy breasts, can happen at any age, even below 20. If the breasts feel too large, heavy, give you back pain or other symptoms, breast reduction can be a very rewarding procedure to improve a patient's quality of life. 
You should be reviewed by a plastic surgeon, to discuss the pros and cons of the surgery and examine you to give you best advice if a breast reduction is suitable for you.

Scott C. Lindsay, DO · Answer

Thanks for your question! Whether or not you can have it done through insurance is based on your insurance and their requirements. It certainly sounds like it should be covered! Please seek out in person consultations with qualified plastic surgeons. Good luck!

What are my options for breast reduction?

Answers (12)

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