I'm 15 yrs old, 5'2, 120 lbs, 32DD. Am I a good candidate for breast reduction?

Question

I am 15, I will be 16 in August. I am 5'2.5", I weigh 120, and my bra size is 32DD. I hardly fit the DD as it is but I cannot find a bra that fits. As a child I was sexually abused and so all the unwanted attention I get from guys really bothers me. I have headaches all the time, there are marks on my shoulders from my bras because of how heavy my breasts are. I had a fibroid the size of a cantaloupe that had gotten removed via abdominal myomectomy back in January.

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 headaches, 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'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.   
As you learn about breast reduction surgery, make sure you read about the potential risks/complications associated with the procedure. You may find the attached link helpful in this regard.  For example, 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). Generally speaking, the best I have the procedure performed once you have reached “physical maturity”.
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.

Lavinia K. Chong, MD · Answer

Thanks for your courage in posing this question.  No, young age doesn't disqualify you from having breastreduction.  The compelling reasons to have BR are 1. correct BMI (height and weight); 2. musculoskeletal symptoms; 3. prior experience with surgery.  The uncertainty is whether BR will completely reverse yourprior trauma.  Don't be afraid to ask for help from your parents, (?) clergy, consult with PS and take your timein making an informed decision.  Good luck.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

can be done but it should be done for the right reasons and parental approval is required.  I'm sorry to hear of your past and understand how it can negatively affect your self-image.  Avoid doing this because of your past and discuss your concerns with your parents so you can find a local plastic surgeon who can listen to your concerns and evaluate your complaints and tissue, and who can counsel you on the pros and cons of doing this at such a young age and then you, with your parents, can decide what is best for you.

I'm 15 yrs old, 5'2, 120 lbs, 32DD. Am I a good candidate for breast reduction?

Answers (4)

Answer: Reductions in teens

Answer: Reductions in teens

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Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

I'm 15 yrs old, 5'2, 120 lbs, 32DD. Am I a good candidate for breast reduction?

Answers (4)

Answer: Reductions in teens

Answer: Reductions in teens

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.