How old do I have to be to get breast reduction?
I'm 14 years old, and my breasts are too big for me even to cross my arms. It gets in the way with a lot of things, and I understand that they're going to grow back because of puberty. But I feel I really need this to be done. I'm only 14 and I'm a C cup.
What do I do?
The female growth spurt is usually 11 to 13. So, you have probably already passed through it. Most breats reductions drop a minimum of TWO CUP SIZES after surgery. At a C cup you might want to consider waiting for a breast reduction? Best,
Gary R Culbertson, MD, FACS
Generally, a person can undergo a breast reduction when they have finished growing. This is usually 2 years after menarche. Insurance companies have specific requirements before they will approve a Breast Reduction. Approval is based on symptoms, breast size, height and weight. I would consult with a plastic surgeon in your area to see if you qualify.
Age alone is not a strict criteria, but taken into account along with anatomy, recent growth, body proportions, emotional status, etc. I have seen a few patients at this age, and deferred surgery pending semiannual reevaluation. Once breast growth has plateaued we consider planning the procedure. As far as cup size, most reduction patients are DD size before reduction is done. At that point, most health insurance companies will reimburse your expenses. Hope this helps.
As long as you are symptomatic and mature enough to understand the risks and benefits along with your parents it is reasonable to proceed. This is an operation that can make you feel a lot better during a very important time in your life. There is definitely an increased risk that they may continue to grow and you may need additional surgery in the future but as long as you understand that and it is part of your decision making then it is reasonable.