Naturally oversized breasts cause physical and emotional problems for women of all ages. Breast Reduction or Mammaplasty Reduction is the only way to permanently reduce the breast size and create breasts that are more in proportion to your body.
AM I TOO YOUNG FOR BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY? This is a common question in today’s society. Here’s my answer….There is no specific, ideal age for a Breast Reduction, but among younger women these things need to be considered: 1) Is the patient in her 20’s and experiencing the above mentioned problems. 2) Does she have a strong desire to reduce the size and shape of her overly large breasts (macromastia)? 3) Has she stopped growing in height and in breast size? 4) Is she emotionally mature? If the answer to these questions is yes…then she could be an ideal candidate. You should know that when younger women have Breast Reduction surgery…Revisional surgery may be needed later in life.
AM I TOO OLD FOR BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY?… another common question women in their 60’s plus frequently ask me. Mammaplasty Reduction is very common among more mature women and can be very effective with the correct assessment of her health, skin condition, emotional maturity etc. Older women typically suffer with “overly large breasts” due to hormone changes from menopause and weight gain. They reap the same benefits as younger women…and today are more eager to have these age defying, health restoring procedures.
WHAT’S INVOLVED IN BREAST REDUCTION SURGERY? This is a surgery used to remove excess fatty breast tissue and glandular tissue while removing excess skin in order to downsize and reshape the breast to be more in proportion with your body. Note: it’s important to be at a normal or close to normal proportional weight, and be able to maintain it to avoid affecting your long term results.
OK…That said, the bottom line is: whether you choose to make a dramatic change or just reduce your bra size by a few cups, Breast Reduction Surgery offers the best results for women with large, heavy breasts. Should you ever want to increase your breast size…Implants or Fat Grafting can achieve this.
At What Age Can You Get A Breast Reduction
What Is the Best Age To Get a Breast Reduction?
One of the most commonly-asked questions is about the best age to have a breast reduction. The truth is, as long as the patient desires a breast reduction, there is no “best” age for this procedure. There are several stages in life where a woman may want or need a reduction procedure. Ultimately, the best way to determine if you are at the right age to have this procedure is to attend a consultation with a plastic surgeon. That said, some of the most common age groups for this procedure include:
Under 18
During puberty, secondary sex characteristics such as the breasts begin to develop, sometimes as early as age 11 or 12. Over the next several years, the size of the mammary tissue will grow in relation to genetics, weight gain, and hormones. However, many women younger than 18 struggle with overly large breasts and may desire a reduction before they become adults. Some girls as young as 15 or 16 may petition parents for permission to have this procedure.
However, while some surgeons may perform this procedure for girls younger than 18, most surgeons will not because the body is still developing. Additionally, because parental consent is necessary for any plastic surgery on a patient who is not a legal adult, the surgeon, patient, and parents will need to work together to determine whether or not surgery is a good idea. Many girls who want early reduction surgery will be encouraged to wait until they are at least 18.
Young Women
Young women aged between 18 and 30 are one of the biggest groups to seek a reduction procedure or other breast augmentation procedures for that matter. By the time women are in their 20s, the overall shape of their body and the development of their breasts will be complete, so unless there is a drastic change in body weight, the size of the breasts is likely to be static. For some, this is an ideal age to have this surgery.
Post-Breastfeeding
Pregnancy can drastically change the shape of a woman’s body, particularly her breasts. After breastfeeding, some women have breasts that are still enlarged with excess fat from the pregnancy. Many women like to have a reduction surgery after they have finished breastfeeding to restore the shape of the body to a pre-pregnancy form. That said, if you plan to have more children in the near future, it may make sense to postpone your procedure.
Mature Women
Women over the age of 40 also seek this procedure to refine the shape of their bodies. Many women experience changes in their body proportions related to aging, such as loss of volume in some areas of the body and gaining volume from fat in other areas. A reduction may be a good option to reduce the weight of the breasts, particularly for women who want to correct new body proportions.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why Do Women Want Breast Reductions?
Women of all ages seek a reduction procedure for several reasons. For example, some women site shoulder, neck, and back pain as being a primary motivator for having this procedure. Overly-large breasts can place stress on the spine and the muscles of the back, which can cause physical discomfort over time.
Other women may want to correct the size of their breasts for the sake of convenience. Large breasts can feel cumbersome during exercise or basic household chores, and it may be difficult to find bras that fit correctly. By reducing the size of the breasts, women will be able to have an easier time in multiple areas of life.
The Importance of Confidence
Beyond all the practical reasons women may seek to have a reduction surgery, perhaps the most prominent motivation for this procedure is to improve self-confidence. A poor self-image related to the body can have long-lasting psychological impacts. Women who feel self-conscious about the size of their breasts for any reason may not feel comfortable in public wearing certain clothes and may even take great steps to not draw attention to themselves.
By reducing the size of the breasts, women may begin to feel more confident about themselves. With more confidence may come more happiness or even a new willingness to make healthier lifestyle choices. The importance of confidence is tied to having a positive sense of well-being, so there may be no greater reason to have this procedure than wanting to feel better about yourself.
2. Are There Signs You May Need a Reduction?
Although the decision to have reduction surgery will depend on your aesthetic goals, some signs may indicate a reduction will be a good idea for your health. For example, if you have chronic pain in the back, neck, or shoulder that requires pain medication, patches, or other at-home therapies for pain relief, you may want to consider a reduction.
Women may also want to consider a reduction procedure if they frequently have grooves from bra straps on the neck and shoulders. Rashes and skin irritation beneath the breasts are another common sign that your breasts may be too large. Difficulty sleeping, exercising, or performing daily activities can also be signs that a reduction is in your best interest.
3. Can You Breastfeed After Reduction Surgery?
Some women who have not had children or who plan to have more children in the future may worry about their ability to breastfeed after a breast procedure. Like most other breast procedures, there should be no issue with breastfeeding in the future. In fact, the techniques used for a reduction are the most friendly to future breastfeeding. Please be sure to bring up your concerns about future breastfeeding during your consultation with Dr. Elluru.
4. Is Anesthesia Required?
Yes, general anesthesia is required for this procedure. It will take a few hours to complete your reduction surgery, so you will be administered anesthesia by a certified anesthesiologist so you will be unconscious for the duration of the procedure. After your surgery is complete, you may feel groggy as the anesthesia wears off. As long as you are generally healthy and pass certain labs and exams, then you should be approved for surgery using general anesthesia.
5. How Should You Prepare for Surgery?
There are a few things you will need to do before you can have breast reduction surgery. For example, you may need to complete certain labs, exams, or medical evaluations to determine whether or not you are healthy enough for the procedure. You may need to adjust the dosage of certain medications or temporarily discontinue blood-thinning medications one to two weeks before your surgery. It’s also recommended that you complete a mammogram before your procedure to establish a baseline for your current breast tissue.
6. What Should You Do After Surgery?
Your recovery period will take about two to six weeks before you can resume normal activities, such as exercise. Most women will be able to resume light activity within one week of their procedure, meaning they can return to work after one to two weeks. During your recovery period, you will be required to wear a special bra for 24 hours a day for four weeks to encourage good healing. When you have fully recovered from the procedure, it’s recommended to have a mammogram to assess your breast tissue and establish a new baseline.
how much is a breast reduction
If you’re considering breast reduction surgery, cost could be a factor in your decision. The surgery removes fat, glandular tissue, and skin from the breast to make it smaller. For women, it may be medically necessary to treat health problems from overly large breasts. For men with enlarged breasts, the procedure is usually cosmetic—you may want it, but you don’t need it for health reasons. Insurance companies typically cover medically necessary procedures, but not cosmetic procedures.
What determines the cost of breast reduction?
Like most products and services, costs for breast reduction vary depending on where you live. Costs also vary from surgeon to surgeon. In general, cosmetic or plastic surgeons can charge based on market demand—whatever people in your area are willing to pay. A surgeon’s fees may also depend on their years of experience, advanced training, and expertise in the procedure.
The average cost of breast reduction in the United States is about $5,900. This amount only covers the surgery itself. Other costs may include:
Insurance may cover the cost of breast reduction.
Insurance usually covers breast reduction for women who have health problems due to the size of their breasts. For example, overly large breasts can cause back, neck and shoulder pain that interferes with your daily life. Your insurance company may require preauthorization for the surgery. As part of the process, they will likely require documentation of your health problems.
Your insurance company may also require you to try other treatments first. This may include weight loss, physical therapy, and wearing wide-strapped bras for at least 12 months. Each company will have their own criteria for approving breast reduction surgery. You will need to call your insurance provider and review the specifics of your policy.
If your insurance company denies your authorization for surgery, you can appeal the decision. You will need your surgeon’s assistance for the appeal. It may just be a matter of providing more information about your condition.
Insurance usually does not cover breast reduction for males, also called gynecomastia surgery.
How big do your breasts need to be to get a reduction
Every woman has looked in the mirror and wished she could change something about her body. For many women, especially those who have been pregnant, their most significant concern is the size of their breasts. At Southwest Michigan Plastic and Hand Surgery in Portage, MI, we’d like you to know that you don’t have to settle for heavy, sagging breasts. Today, we highlight one of our most popular procedures: breast reduction.
What Is a Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction, also known as reduction mammoplasty, is a procedure that removes excess skin, fat and other tissue from your breasts. While it is extremely popular among women, it is also the most popular procedure received by men.
Most women opt for reduction mammoplasty to relieve back pain, help them lose weight and achieve more proportional contours. For men, reduction mammoplasty is popular to treat gynecomastia.
What Is Gynecomastia?
Gynecomastia is a medical condition characterized by swollen male breast tissue. This may be caused by weight gain, but it is almost always the result of hormonal imbalances. Puberty, aging, medications and other health conditions can all be responsible for too much estrogen or not enough testosterone in men.
Unfortunately, gynecomastia causes uncomfortable, sometimes painful swelling. Even worse, it wreaks havoc on a man’s self-confidence, preventing him from participating in certain activities, like swimming, water polo and pick-up basketball.
Treatment Options for Gynecomastia
If gynecomastia is merely a symptom of excess fatty tissue, weight loss will reverse the condition. Unfortunately, it is not usually this simple.
When gynecomastia is triggered by hormonal imbalances, many men turn to weight gain to make their chest look more proportionate to the rest of their body. This is terrible for their health, and their breasts only grow with the rest of their body.
Other men turn to building their pectoral muscles. Since the breast tissue is on top of the pectoral muscles, the condition is merely exacerbated. The most effective solutions for the reversal of gynecomastia are reduction mammoplasty and body contouring methods, like liposuction or CoolSculpting.
How Many Sizes Can You Go Down In A Breast Reduction?
Several factors affect how many sizes you can expect to lose with a breast reduction. These include how much volume you have to lose, the composition of your breasts and what incision technique is used, among other factors.
In general, you can expect to lose around one or two cup sizes. During your initial consultation, we will evaluate your aesthetic goals and breast composition to give you a good idea of what results you can realistically expect.
Am I a Good Candidate for Reduction Mammoplasty?
The best male candidates for reduction mammoplasty are adolescents and adults who do not smoke, do not suffer from diabetes or heart conditions, are not morbidly obese and want to reverse gynecomastia. For females, the best candidates for reduction mammoplasty can relate to the following:
You Have Ptosis
Ptosis, also known as sagging, is a common consequence of aging. However, it can also be caused by a high BMI, large cup size, drastic weight fluctuations, breast composition and density, cigarette smoking, inelastic skin and multiple pregnancies.
In some cases, reduction mammoplasty alone is enough to reverse ptosis. By removing excess skin and breast tissue and repositioning the nipple, many women find that a breast lift is unnecessary.
Who Is Not a Good Candidate for This Procedure?
We recommend holding off on reduction mammoplasty in two cases. The first case is planned childbirth and the second case is planned weight loss. Let’s take a closer look.
Motherhood
We strongly recommend waiting until you are done having children to undergo reduction mammoplasty. Research has shown that reduction mammoplasty does not affect your ability to breastfeed because the nipple is not separated from the underlying tissue.
However, pregnancy causes hormonal fluctuations which may increase the size of your breasts. Thus, if you receive reduction mammoplasty before you are done adding to your family, you may need a follow-up procedure to achieve your desired contours and proportions again.
Weight Loss
There are no risk factors associated with losing weight after receiving a reduction mammoplasty. However, it is important to understand that your breasts may be largely due to fatty tissue deposits, not just excess glandular tissue.
You may find that losing body fat through diet and exercise results in smaller breasts. Thus, you may need a less extensive reduction in breast volume through reduction mammoplasty. Among other things, this will shorten the length of your recovery time.
How Can I Prepare for Reduction Mammoplasty?
During your initial consultation, we will review your medical history and assess your current overall health status to ensure you are healthy enough to undergo this procedure at this time. Then, we will go over your expectations for breast appearance and size after your procedure to make sure your expected results are realistic.
If you think it would be helpful, bring in pictures of what you think your ideal breasts would look like. This can help us determine if this is the right procedure for you and if your breasts would be proportionate with the rest of your contours, such as your waist and hips.
Once we determine that reduction mammoplasty is the right procedure for you, we will examine and measure your breasts. We will also take photographs of your breasts for the purposes of your medical records and review the best type of anesthesia for your unique situation.
What Else Do I Need to Do to Prepare?
Before your reduction mammoplasty, you should also get a baseline mammogram and receive any dental procedures you need done. These appointments cannot be met for six months to a year after your reduction mammoplasty. Moreover, you may need to receive certain lab tests to confirm your health.
One of the most important things you need to do in advance of your reduction mammoplasty is stop smoking for six weeks before your procedure. Be prepared to not smoke for six weeks post-op, either. For 72 hours before and after your procedure, stop taking aspirin, NSAIDs and certain supplements which thin the blood.
What Can I Expect During My Procedure?
Depending on the volume reduction you need to achieve, you may receive one of several types of incisions. In most cases, incisions are made around the areola and down each breast. Excess fat is generally removed via liposuction. Then, excess breast tissue and skin are removed to further reduce the size of your breast.
Finally, the breast is reshaped, the remaining skin is lifted and the nipple and areola are repositioned. If you are concerned with the size of your areola, this can be reduced, as well. In nearly every case, the nipple and areola remain attached to the breast. However, if your breasts are very large, they may need to be grafted into a higher position onto the breast.
Is Reduction Mammoplasty a Stand-Alone Procedure?
Whether reduction mammoplasty is a stand-alone procedure or not depends on your unique aesthetic goals. Some women find they only need reduction mammoplasty to achieve their desired contours.
Others include this procedure along with several others in what is known as a “mommy makeover”. A mommy makeover is a set of body contouring and feminine rejuvenation procedures that help women get back their pre-natal bodies.
Excellent complementary procedures for mothers include vaginoplasty, labiaplasty, abdominoplasty, breast lift, arm lift and thigh lift.
Reduction Mammoplasty Techniques
“Lollipop” Technique
The lollipop technique used for reduction mammoplasty can result in a breast volume reduction of roughly one cup. This method, also known as a vertical reduction mammoplasty, is popular because the round incisions are hidden within the dark folds of the areola.
Your recovery time may also be shorter with this method. The downside is that you won’t get dramatic results. If you need to reduce breast volume by 50% or more, this is not the right technique for you.
Horizontal Technique
The horizontal technique involves a horizontal incision made along the inframammary fold. The nipple and areola are elevated without the need for a vertical incision. This technique is ideal for women who want to reduce their breast volume by several cup sizes.
There are several advantages to this technique. Primarily, there is no vertical incision. Secondarily, the incision around the nipple-areola complex is nearly invisible, and there is no incision made within the mammary folds.
Inferior Pedicle Technique
The inferior pedicle technique is also known as the anchor technique, inverted-T technique, or Wise technique. This technique is ideal for women with overly sensitive breasts who may still need full lactational function and capability.
The incision pattern looks like an upside-down “T”, with incisions made within the areola, down the breast hemisphere, and beneath the breast folds. If you have been diagnosed with macromastia or gigantomastia, this is most likely the ideal technique for you.
Lipectomy
In some cases, women only need a subtle reduction in breast volume. For example, one breast may have decreased in volume more than the other during nursing or after weight loss. In such cases, nothing more than liposuction may be necessary to reduce adequate breast volume and restore symmetry. This technique involves only localized anesthesia.
This may be the ideal technique for you if you only need around a one-cup reduction in breast volume, you have low-density breasts comprised mostly of adipose tissue (fat deposits), your skin is fairly elastic and you only suffer from mild sagging.
how old do i have to be to get breast reduction
Having breasts that are too large for your body can be a literal pain. If you’re suffering from neck, back or shoulder aches, bra grooves or chafing—or if self-consciousness about your breast size is keeping you out of sports or social activities—you’re right that breast reduction surgery may alleviate these problems and help you feel more confident in your appearance.
If you’re bothered by having large breasts, you are not “crazy” for wanting a breast reduction; friends who tell you they’re jealous of your size simply haven’t dealt with the discomfort and unwanted attention. You are also not alone. While most breast reduction patients are adults in their 20s or older, breast reduction is one of the more commonly performed cosmetic surgery procedures for women 18 and under, including many famous faces.
But how do I tell my parents I want a breast reduction?
If you’re under 18 and want breast reduction, sooner or later, you will have to tell a parent or guardian: you need their consent to have surgery. They’ll also need to get involved if you are on their insurance and/or will need their help paying for the procedure.
But talking about your breasts, especially with your parents, isn’t necessarily easy. As cosmetic surgeons, we understand how important it is to feel listened to and understood when discussing such a personal issue—and we also understand the awkward factor involved. Below, we’ve provided tips on how to clear this hurdle and have a meaningful conversation with your parents.
First, understand the special challenges your age presents
While breast reduction can often be performed safely and successfully for patients in their mid teens, many cosmetic surgeons prefer patients wait until they are at least 18 before undergoing the procedure. There are two reasons for this:
This isn’t to say that getting breast reduction before you turn 18 is impossible, especially if your breast size-related symptoms are severe, but you need to be prepared to hear “not yet,” especially if you are in your early teens.
Start by talking to your doctor (or another trusted adult)
If you’re too nervous right now to bring up the topic at home, considering first talking with your doctor. This gives you a safe, confidential space to talk openly about your concerns. A doctor can also give an educated opinion on whether or not breast reduction surgery is appropriate for you based on your breast size, age, and symptoms. You can do this in private, or with your parent in the room with you—whatever makes you most comfortable.
Talking to a qualified professional whom you and your parents trust also shows you are thinking about breast reduction for your health and wellbeing, and not due to peer pressure or a desire to look “perfect.” If you can’t make a doctor’s appointment on your own, you might confide in another trusted adult, such as an aunt, grandparent, coach, or teacher, who can help you broach the subject with your parents and suggest a doctor’s appointment as the next step.
Investigate the breast reduction procedure on your own
Your parents are more likely to take you seriously if you’ve put serious thought into the procedure already. Do your research, and do it thoroughly. Don’t just look at photos or stories about celebrities who’ve had breast reduction—also read up on what’s involved in surgery (including things like incisions, scars, and anesthesia), the potential risks of breast reduction, and what’s required during recovery.
Be savvy about what sources you seek (and believe). Skip Tumblr and stick with reliable information from experienced cosmetic surgeons. A great place to start is our American Board of Cosmetic Surgery breast reduction procedure guide.
Write down what you’ve found out about breast reduction
You know how hard it can be to say the right things when you’re nervous. Even though it’s your parents you are speaking to, you might still be nervous—and you don’t want to leave out any important facts. Writing your thoughts out will help. Some points to jot down:
Now you’re ready to talk to your parents about breast reduction
After researching and organizing your thoughts, it’s time to have the big talk! Begin the conversation by explaining how you feel about your breasts, and what problems they cause for you. Then cite the research you’ve done on breast reduction and why you believe it is a good option for you—making it clear that you have realistic expectations and don’t expect surgery to solve all your problems.
Make your points, but be sure to let your parents talk too. Listen while they voice any concerns, and try not to get defensive—use your research to help address their questions, admit when you don’t know something, and agree to follow up on their questions. Be prepared for them to need a little while to consider your wishes—they want to be sure you are safe and happy and will likely want to think carefully about your having surgery.
Next step: choosing a breast reduction surgeon
Once you’ve talked, you and your parents may be ready to meet with a cosmetic surgeon to learn more about the procedure together. It’s important to choose a surgeon who is trained and experienced in breast reduction for younger patients; your parents can help you find qualified, board certified cosmetic surgeons in your area.
Talking to a surgeon doesn’t mean you have to commit to the procedure at any time—or that you will be given the go-ahead to have surgery—but a reputable cosmetic surgeon will happily and honestly answer your questions and help you learn if breast reduction is right for you.