Teenagers and Breast Reduction
If you are a teenager suffering from psychological distress and physical discomfort as a result of having large breasts, a breast reduction operation may be necessary.
Physical problems may include:
- Skin problems
- Poor posture
- Excessive sweating and rashes
- Backache
- Neck pain
- Shoulder ache
- Infections under the breasts
- Weals or grooves on the shoulders from bra straps
- An inability to exercise or take part in sports
Psychological distress can include:
- Difficulty in finding clothes that fit
- Depression
- Unwanted attention
- Harassment
- Self-consciousness
Do adults and teenagers consider breast reduction surgery for the same reasons?
Not always. The motivations and goals of teenagers can differ from adults. Teenagers often have plastic surgery to improve physical characteristics they feel are awkward or flawed, and that if left uncorrected, may affect them well into adulthood. They want to fit in with peers, to look similar, whereas adults tend to have plastic surgery to stand out from others.
Can I have breast reduction immediately?
Although waiting for breast reduction surgery may prolong the psychological awkwardness, it is advisable to delay surgery until breast growth ceases in order to achieve the best result.
What about breast asymmetry?
When one breast grows to a much larger size than the other, an operation may correct the difference by reducing the larger breast, augmenting the smaller, or both. This is called breast asymmetry surgery.
Can boys have breast reduction surgery too?
Yes. Some boys who have large breasts may need to have male breast reduction surgery, which is a procedure called a gynaecomastia. Unlike for women, male breast reductions are usually required to flatten the breast area.
Who is not a suitable candidate for breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction surgery is not recommended for women with:
- Breast cancer
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Cellulitis (infection of the soft tissue of the breast)
- Hardened breast skin
- Dry or broken breast skin
Also, a teenage girl who intends to breastfeed probably should not have the procedure. It's preferable to delay the procedure until she has had all her children.
So might I be suitable for breast reduction surgery?
This is a question that can only be answered after a full consultation with your plastic or reconstructive surgeon. Determining factors are your age and health.
In general, although breast reduction surgery is sometimes considered for teenagers, the best candidates for breast reduction are women who are:
- 18 years of age or older
- Not currently pregnant or nursing
- In good physical health
- Psychologically stable
- Wanting to improve their appearance
- Realistic in their expectations
However, it is vital to note that not every teenager seeking plastic surgery is well suited for an operation.
Teenagers must demonstrate emotional maturity and an understanding of the limitations of plastic surgery. In addition, certain milestones in growth and physical maturity must be achieved before undergoing plastic surgery.
With teenagers, when do the most rewarding outcomes occur?
The most rewarding outcomes are expected when the following exist:
The teenager initiates the request - While parental support is essential, the teenager's own desire for plastic surgery must be clearly expressed and repeated over a period of time.
The teenager has sufficient maturity - Teenagers must be able to tolerate the discomfort and temporary disfigurement of a surgical procedure.
The teenager has realistic goals - The young person must appreciate both the benefits and limitations of plastic surgery, avoiding unrealistic expectations about life changes that will occur as a result of the procedure.
Breast reduction surgery is not recommended for teens that are:
- Being treated for clinical depression or other mental illness
- Prone to mood swings or erratic behaviour
- Abusing drugs and/or alcohol
Will I really feel better about my appearance afterwards?
Breast reduction surgery can result in:
- Improved balance in size and shape
- Greater ease in finding clothing that fits evenly across the chest
- Improved sense of comfort, particularly in body-conscious clothing
Teenagers frequently gain self-esteem and confidence when their physical problems are corrected. Successful plastic surgery can even reverse the social withdrawal that so often accompanies teenagers who feel different.
What can I do to help achieve the best results?
Before choosing to have breast reduction surgery, make sure that you obtain as much information as is necessary to enable you to make a fully informed choice.
Your surgeon will give you specific instructions regarding preparing for surgery, including guidelines for:
- Eating and drinking
- Smoking
- Taking or avoiding vitamins, supplements and medications
How else can I prepare for this procedure?
Before your surgery, take the opportunity to ask all the questions you have about the procedure.
Also:
- Tell your surgeon about any allergies you have (to foods, drugs, environmental elements)
- Try to schedule surgery at a time other than your menstrual period
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery
What are the risks associated with breast reduction surgery?
Like all surgical procedures, with breast reduction surgery there is always a possibility of complications. Although these complications are extremely rare, they can include:
- Infection
- Adverse reaction to anaesthesia
- Excessive bleeding
- Delayed wound healing
- Loss of nipple sensation
- Unsatisfactory results
- The need for second or sometimes third procedures
Find out more
If you would like to find out more about breast reduction or arrange a consultation, contact us today on 08707 606 555, or by completing our
online enquiry form for an immediate response.
