At What Age Can You Get a Breast Reduction?

A woman in a lace shirt holding her breasts

Women with excessively large breasts face emotional and physical challenges, including reduced self-confidence and chronic neck and shoulder pain. Imagine the toll large breasts can take on a teenager who is already struggling to be comfortable in her own skin. Breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty, can be life-changing for women of any age, but how young is too young for breast reduction surgery?

This blog will discuss the typical age for breast reduction and factors to consider for teens coping with excessive breasts.

Signs It Might Be Time for a Breast Reduction

Females can begin to experience the adverse effects of overly large breasts as early as 15 or 16. Rather than look solely at age as a marker for when to undergo breast surgery, it’s better to begin looking at the impact breast size has on the patient. Negative signs of excessive breasts might include physical symptoms and psychological effects.

Physical Symptoms

Large, pendulous breasts can lead to health issues, such as:

Skin Irritation: Large breasts can cause rashes beneath them due to friction and moisture buildup. Some women also experience skin irritation and shoulder pain from pressure from bra straps.
Neck and Back Pain: Heavy breasts add pressure to the neck and back muscles, leading to chronic discomfort. Some patients experience recurrent headaches because of the strain.
Ill-Fitting Bras: It can be challenging to find bras that offer sufficient support and comfort for excessively large breasts, which can exacerbate physical symptoms like neck pain and skin irritation.
Physical Limitations: Large breasts may prohibit women from participating in sports or exercise, leading to a more sedentary lifestyle, weight gain, and related health concerns.

Psychological Factors

The psychological impact of excessive breasts may be even more difficult for young women than the physical toll. Mental and emotional symptoms might include:

Body Image Concerns: Teens with large breasts are often self-conscious about their bodies, which may lead to low self-esteem. The breasts can be a source of embarrassment and unwanted attention that only serves to make them more uncomfortable with their bodies.
Isolation: Whether from embarrassment or physical inability to participate in activities, large breasts can leave teen girls avoiding many social situations and isolating themselves.
Increased Risk for Eating Disorders: Some studies suggest that teens with huge breasts may be at higher risk for eating disorders, which may lead to other serious health issues.

More Than a Number: Understanding Breast Growth Stabilization

Despite the emotional and physical impact of large breasts, some teens may need more time before undergoing surgery. According to a 2020 study, age restrictions for mammaplasty should be based on many factors, including:

The age at which menstruation began
Biological and psychological maturity
Body weight and obesity status

The primary consideration for mammaplasty in this study was whether the breasts would continue to grow and develop after reduction surgery. Researchers discovered that breast tissue in teens with a normal weight tended to stop growing about three years after menstruation began. Overweight or obese teens had breast tissue that continued to grow until nine years after the start of menstruation.

Does Insurance Cover Mammaplasty for Young Patients?

For young women experiencing physical symptoms from their oversized breasts, insurance coverage may be an option. However, many insurance policies have age restrictions on mammoplasty and may not cover the procedure until a patient is 16 years old or older. Dr. Pincus offers out-of-network breast reduction for patients with those benefits. Check with your insurance provider for specific coverage information.

Are You Ready for Breast Reduction in Smithtown, NY, or Boca Raton, FL?

Dr. David Pincus is a board-certified plastic surgeon who customizes breast reduction surgery for his patients based on their individual needs and goals. To learn more about breast reduction in Boca Raton, call our office at (631) 352-3556 or complete the online contact form.