While many women choose to undergo breast reduction later in life, the debilitating symptoms associated with a disproportionate breast size are not exclusive to adulthood. Large, heavy breasts can present many emotional and physical burdens during an already sensitive stage of life. Fortunately, breast reduction performed by our board-certified plastic surgeon in Philadelphia is one of few aesthetic procedures that can safely be performed on teens and young adults to restore a more manageable and proportional bust size.
Whether your (or your teenage child’s) breasts cause aching pain, limit participation in sports and daily activities, or lead to unwanted attention/a negative self-image, breast reduction for teens is a surgical option to permanently create a lighter breast size. With the ability to alleviate discomfort and improve quality of life, breast reduction can be transformative for teens who struggle with the physical and emotional effects of large breasts.
Why Do Teens Consider Breast Reduction?
For some teenagers, a dominant breast size can cause more than just aesthetic concerns — they can be a source of daily physical discomfort and emotional stress. Motivations behind the desire to reduce overly large breasts often include:
- Chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain
- Skin irritation beneath the breast crease
- Painful grooving in the shoulders due to bra straps
- Difficulty finding properly fitting clothing
- Limitations in physical activities, after-school sports, etc.
- Self-consciousness or unwanted attention from peers
Teenage breast reduction, also known as reduction mammaplasty, can help address these issues by removing excess glandular tissue, fat, and skin to create a more comfortable and manageable breast size. For teens and adolescents, consulting with a board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeon is more important than ever to gain a full understanding of what breast reduction can realistically achieve. It’s crucial for younger patients to weigh the benefits of breast reduction with the potential risks and come to a well-informed decision about surgery with their parents or guardian.
Who is a Good Candidate for Teenage Breast Reduction?
While most surgeons recommend that patients are at least 18 years old, there is no specific age requirement for breast reduction. In teens, it’s key for the breasts to stay the same size for at least one year before considering surgery. Most surgeons recommend waiting until breast growth has stabilized to minimize the chance of further changes after surgery. Good candidates for teenage breast reduction are also:
- Healthy, with the majority of breast development completed
- Bothered by significant physical or emotional discomfort from their breast size
- Able to maintain realistic expectations about the final results
- Emotionally mature enough to understand the benefits and risks or surgery
- Undergoing surgery with consent from a parent or guardian if under 18
In most cases, doctors may recommend breast surgery if issues related to overly large breasts persist for more than one year without improvement. Once approved for breast reduction, many teenage patients opt to schedule surgery during the summertime or winter break in order to allow full healing before school and work commitments begin.
What Can I Expect From Teenage Breast Reduction?
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes two and a half to three and a half hours, depending on the technique used and the amount of tissue removed. Dr. Bottger will make carefully planned incisions — often around the areola and extending vertically towards the breast crease — to remove excess tissue, reshape the breasts, and reposition the nipple-areola complex for a more proportionate look. Scarring is inevitable but usually fades significantly over time. The ultimate goal is to achieve a breast size that reduces physical discomfort, allows for a more active lifestyle, and improves self-confidence.
What is Recovery From Breast Reduction Like?
Recovery after teenage breast reduction generally involves one to two weeks of downtime before returning to school or light activities, although strenuous exercise should be avoided for at least four to six weeks. Swelling and bruising are common in the first few weeks, and wearing a supportive surgical bra is important for proper healing. Most patients notice an immediate improvement in their physical comfort, although final results will become more apparent as swelling subsides. Follow-up appointments with Dr. Bottger will help ensure your breasts are healing properly. Most teens find that their quality of life improves significantly in the months following surgery.
How Much Does Teenage Breast Reduction Cost?
The cost of teenage breast reduction is customized according to the individual details of your treatment plan. Although a consultation is required to calculate an accurate quote of your procedure, a full breakdown of breast reduction costs can be found at the link below. Plastic surgery costs also vary depending on each surgeon’s experience, the geographic location of the practice, the complexity of the procedure, and whether it is performed in a hospital or outpatient surgical center.
In some cases, health insurance may cover part or all of the cost if the procedure is deemed medically necessary due to a documented history of symptoms, and if there’s evidence that conservative treatments have failed to provide relief. For insurance coverage, very specific amounts of tissue are required to be removed which may not be feasible in any given patient. For out-of-pocket costs, our office also accepts plastic surgery financing.
Dr. David Bottger is committed to listening closely to each patient’s goals and tailoring a personalized treatment plan to help yourself (or your teenager) enjoy a healthier, more comfortable quality of life. Contact our Philadelphia practice for more information on the breast reduction procedure or to book a consultation.