
Oct
The ideal age for surgery is between 16 and 20. At this age the breasts are completely developed. Although large breasts cause back pain and bad posture the major problem is psychological, and this is one of the few situations in which a psychological problem can be alleviated and often cured by surgery.
Teenagers often have a stable breast size in their early to mid-teens. After periods begin, the breasts may continue to grow. For teenagers who are considering a breast reduction it is wise to wait until the breast size is stable for at least twelve months. There are exceptions. In some cases, the breasts continue to grow and may be massively enlarged, a condition called gigantomastia, which is associated with painful breasts. In these instances, early reduction may be necessary. The breasts may further enlarge after surgery, but this is a better option than waiting until the breasts have stopped growing. Here are some common questions that parents have regarding their daughters who desire a breast reduction.
Q. My daughter is almost 16 years old, and she has had 34DDD breasts since she was 14. She is very active athletically and finds that her large breasts give her back ache and neck pain. They are also a source of embarrassment for her at school, during athletics and in social situations. Is she too young to have a breast reduction?
A. Not as long as the breasts have not changed in size in the last 12 months.
Q. My daughter is a Junior in High School. How long would she need to be out of school after surgery?
A. I recommend at least two weeks. Being in a high energy surrounding like a High School could lead to being bumped and injured accidentally.
Q. How much pain is there after a breast reduction?
A. Pain is usually manageable with Tylenol after 24 hours and is not the severe muscle pain that we experience after abdominal surgery.
Q. How long does surgery take?
A. On average surgery takes about three and a half hours.
Q. What is the ideal age for a breast reduction?
A. Once the breasts are stable in size, there is no benefit in waiting to have the breasts reduced. Over-time the weight of the breasts cause permanent changes in the curvature of the spine so it is better to have the surgery done before this occurs. Early surgery also helps to eliminate potential psychologic harm.
Q. My daughter is embarrassed by her breast size. She is made fun of at school and is embarrassed in social situations and during athletics. She is affected psychologically by the size of her breasts and has received therapy. Will a breast reduction make her feel better about herself?
A. This is one of the few situations in which a psychological problem can be alleviated and often cured by surgery. The sooner surgery is done after the breasts have reached a stable size, the less likely is your daughter to have any long-term psychological effects. Early breast reduction will allow her to exercise more easily, prevent poor posture and spinal curvature and allow her to develop psychologically without the embarrassment of her large breasts.
Dr. Laurence Kirwan, MD, FRCS, FACS, is an internationally renowned, board-certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience. He trained at Manchester University and completed his Plastic Surgery residency at the University of Missouri. A Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons and American College of Surgeons, he is a leader in aesthetic surgery, specializing in face, breast, and body procedures. Dr. Kirwan has authored multiple scientific papers and books and served as an instructor in prestigious programs. Recognized by Tatler and Russian Vogue, he practices in Connecticut, where he continues to offer personalized, top-tier care to his patients.