Large breasts can cause numerous problems, and this often begins during puberty. Breast reduction can eliminate most of the issues associated with large breasts. Some girls want a breast reduction in their early teens. How old should a young woman be before getting a breast reduction? Dr. Mashhadian assesses each case individually to determine the right timing for this procedure.
What is Breast Reduction?
A breast reduction, or reduction mammoplasty, decreases breast volume and reshapes the breast for a more pleasing appearance. Women choose breast reduction for many reasons, including relief of pain in the neck, back, and shoulders as well as less discomfort during activities. Large breasts can cause significant physical and emotional distress, but a breast reduction can give women balanced, shapely, appropriately sized breasts.
How Does Breast Reduction Work?
Dr. Mashhadian performs reduction under general anesthesia in the Rodeo Surgical Art AAAHC certified surgical facility.
Dr. Mashhadhian performs three versions of breast reduction, depending on the woman’s treatment goals. While all types of breast reduction procedures remove excess fat and glandular tissue while reshaping the breast, Dr. Mashhadian chooses his method based on each woman’s individual needs.
In the simplest form of the procedure, an incision is made along the edge of the areola. Fat and glandular tissue are removed, and the nipple is positioned if needed. This type of procedure works best for women who do not have significant excess skin or need major breast reshaping.
The second type of procedure uses a keyhole incision, which forms a keyhole shape around the areola and vertically under the breast. This allows Dr. Mashhadian to access more breast tissue and to perform more skin removal and tightening. This procedure works best for people looking for a moderate decrease in breast size.
An inverted T incision also runs from the areola in a vertical line under the breast but will also include a horizontal line in the breast crease. This allows for the most significant amount of breast reduction, reshaping, and extensive resizing and relocation of the nipple to its proper position.
What are the Benefits of Breast Reduction?
Breast reduction includes both physical and emotional benefits for many women. Many women find that breast reduction improves their overall quality of life, including:
Well-Fitting Clothes
Finding clothes that fit appropriately can seem nearly impossible for women with large breasts. Tops do not fit as intended, and clothes shopping becomes a frustrating experience. This poses a major challenge for teens and young women who want to dress like their peers and feel isolated when they cannot.
Decreased Pain
Pain in the back, neck, and shoulders can become severe for women with large breasts. The weight of the breasts causes a strain on the musculoskeletal system, and by removing this excess weight, the body can adjust its posture, and pain often disappears.
More Activity
Women often struggle with physical activities when large breasts either get in the way or make the activity uncomfortable. Women can engage in more physical activities and feel comfortable and freer to move with a breast reduction.
Improved Self-Esteem
Feeling like breasts look too large and too obvious can make women of any age feel self-conscious. With breasts better suited to their body and image of themselves, women can feel more confident.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Breast Reduction?
Dr. Mashhadian will assess each young woman individually. Factors he considers include the stage of breast development, emotional and physical maturity, and whether the immediate benefits outweigh any risks. Some breast tissue can grow back for young women who have breast reduction before the breast has finished developing. Once breast development has ended, this is no longer a concern.
What is Recovery Like From a Breast Reduction?
You will need to limit physical activity for one to two weeks. After this time, you can resume activities as long as they do not stress the surgical area. The Recovery EXL™ techniques minimize bruising and discomfort after surgery and make healing easier and faster. You can usually return to moderate exercise after about four to six weeks.
How Much Does Breast Reduction Cost?
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons lists the average cost of breast reduction at $5475. However, this varies by area and by the surgeon and does not cover some fees and expenses such as anesthesia. For women with physical health problems, insurance may cover some or all of the procedures.
Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Reduction?
If you feel like your breasts are too large or that they prevent you from doing things, you may make a good candidate for breast reduction. Women with significant pain should consider this procedure as a way to decrease musculoskeletal stress.
