Is Visiting a Psychologist Necessary for Breast Reduction?

Thank you for the question.

Based on your description of your current age, breast size and goals  I think you should wait before having any breast surgery. I do not believe that your breasts currently cause symptoms typically seen with breast hypertrophy.

Although it is not necessary to see a “therapist for permission” it may be in your best interests to see one anyway to discuss your “mild dysphoria”.

If you decide to have surgery make sure you have done your homework and understand the potential risks, complications,  have scarring associated with breast reduction surgery. You  should also understand that further surgery may be necessary in the future (for example if the breasts were to grow in size again).

Best wishes.

Hello Twig:

       In my experience it is not necessary to obtain a psychological evaluation prior to breast reduction.  I frankly have not seen this as a prerequisite by an insurance carrier, although they seem to put so many "road-blocks" in the way of approval that I wouldn't be surprised that this would be mandated by some carriers.  Since you are only 18, your "body image" will be undergoing a number of changes in the years to come, so I would be very careful of changing it without a lot of thought and consultation with several board-certified plastic surgeons.  Going from a large "C" to an "A" cup is quite a difference, especially compared to something like an "E" to a "D". Sometimes, a good psychologist"s input is helpful, a I recall a patient younger than you who was quite large and was having severe problems with body image to the point of significant depression; with the psychologist's support, the breast reduction made quite a difference in this young lady's life ( and this probably helped with the insurance approval), but again I don't routinely obtain psych evaluations.  If you have a good relationship with your family, they may be another helpful resource to discuss this issue with. Good luck 

WOW, How insightful of you to know the warning signs. Many surgeons out there don't even have this insight. Doing an operation and needing an operation are 2 very different things. You state you are a C and only 18. I may understand this more if you were a double D. Get the therapy and let a few years go by.