Breast Reduction in Teenagers

 

           

 

Macromastia is the condition of having large breasts. The truth is, while some teenagers or adults wish for larger breasts — and may even get surgery to get them — they can cause extreme physical and emotional discomfort for others. Here are some of the common reasons a teenager might want a breast reduction:

 

 

Often, teenagers can feel uncomfortable discussing breast reduction whether it’s with their parents or a doctor. Some parents think waiting is the key; that the teen will “grow into” her breasts or become comfortable with them, but there is no real benefit to waiting. You may have tried visiting a chiropractor to help with the backpain and/or going to therapy to help with self-esteem and other mental hurdles, but it usually doesn’t resolve the issue. As you’re seeking information about a breast reduction, keep an open mind and learn as much as possible.

 

The truth is, breast reduction surgery is very common and teen breast reduction is becoming more common. In 2019, a study published in an issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery — the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons — determined that breast reduction surgery is safe and effective, and noted that complications are minor and often do not outweigh the benefits.

 

After breast reduction surgery, patients can improve or even eliminate back and shoulder pain, irritation from bras and improper fit, and spinal curvature. Often, breast reduction surgery can improve a patient’s confidence, self-esteem, their ability to find clothes that fit, and even raise their desire and ability to exercise.

 

 

Breast reduction surgery is designed to create a chest size that’s more fitting to the patient’s body. It is one of the only cosmetic procedures that insurance companies are willing to cover, mainly because it has so many benefits for the patient.

 

There is no single factor or consideration that will determine if breast reduction surgery is right for your teenager. However, speaking with a doctor so you and your teenager can understand the risks (although there are very few) associated with breast reduction surgery and what the recovery looks like.

 

Here are some questions you or your teenager can ask the doctor during the consultation:

 

 

All of these questions in addition to meeting the doctor and tapping into your intuition will help you choose the right doctor if surgery is right for you. Here are some other things to consider when thinking about teen breast reduction surgery:

 

 

You and your teen will know how serious their condition is and how it will affect their life once the surgery is complete and can make an educated decision based on that and the conversations with the doctor.