Ask Dr. Man- Teenage Breast Reduction

Dear Dr. Man, My daughter is seventeen and a high school senior. She’s very thin, but has very large breasts- she wears a DD cup, but she’s only a size 4 waist. As a result, she has bad back pain. She also has trouble finding clothes to fit her, since she’s so disproportionate. She wants to get a breast reduction. Can you please tell me more about this surgery and if my daughter is too young to get it? Signed, Concerned Mom in Boca Raton

Dear Concerned Mom, Women with very large, pendulous breasts may experience a variety of medical problems caused by the excessive weight, including back, neck, and shoulder pain. In addition, there may be other physical discomforts, such as bra straps leaving indentations in their shoulders. Large breasts can also make women, especially teenage girls like your daughter, feel embarrassed or self-conscious.

Breast Reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, reduces disproportionate, oversized breasts by removing fat, glandular tissue and skin from the breasts, making them smaller, lighter and firmer. It can also reduce the size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple. The goal of the surgery is to give the woman smaller, better-shaped breasts in proportion with the rest of her body. In most cases, breast reduction isn't performed until a woman's breasts are fully developed; however, it can be done earlier if large breasts are causing serious physical discomfort, as in the case of your daughter.

Stitches are usually located around the areola, in a vertical line extending downward, and along the lower crease of the breast. Luckily, modern surgical methods leave patients with incision lines that are only around the areola and up and down, eliminating the horizontal incision at the bottom of the breasts. These scars should fade with time and are usually covered by a bra or bathing suit. After surgery, the patient is wrapped in an elastic bandage or a surgical bra over gauze dressings. The bandages are removed a day or two after surgery, though the patient continues wearing the surgical bra around the clock for several weeks, until the swelling and bruising subside. Although the patient may be up and about in a day or two, the breasts may still be tender for a couple of weeks. Most women can return to non-strenuous work, school or social activities in about two weeks.

The best candidates for this surgery are women who are mature enough to fully understand the procedure and have realistic expectations about the results. Talk to a board certified plastic surgeon to help you decide if your daughter is a good candidate for the surgery.

Every patient and every physician has a different view of what is a desirable size and shape for breasts. In your initial consultation, it's important to discuss yours and your daughter’s expectations frankly with the plastic surgeon, and to listen to his or her opinion.

Breast Reduction surgery helps get rid of the physical discomfort of large breasts, the body looks better proportioned and clothes fit better. Chances are that, like most women, your daughter will be pleased with the results. Good luck!

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Dr. Daniel Man is a board-certified plastic surgeon who has dedicated his life’s work to helping people look younger and improve their appearance through cosmetic surgery. He is a noted author, artist, inventor and educator. Dr. Man has been featured on major television networks, as well as national and local magazines and newspapers for his work as both a plastic surgeon and an artist. He has a successful private practice in Boca Raton, FL. For more information about Dr. Man, visit www.drman.com.