When it comes to cosmetic surgery, patients are generally asked to wait until they are in their twenties before they undergo a procedure. This is to ensure the body has had plenty of time to fully develop and patients are in a much better position to make the decision of whether or not to undergo surgery. However, some procedures are suitable for younger patients, such as a breast reduction.

Here, we will look at the benefits of breast reduction for young women and the top things to consider.

Why would young women benefit from a breast reduction?

Larger breasts aren’t just a potential aesthetic issue for patients. In many cases they can also be a health concern. Young women who develop larger breasts are often plagued with back pain, rashes and trouble carrying out certain daily activities. In these cases, a breast reduction could drastically improve quality of life.

While not all young patients are suitable for a breast reduction, those who are should definitely consider it as a treatment option.

Why are some surgeons hesitant to operate on adolescents?

Despite the potential benefits, there are some surgeons who are reluctant to operate on younger patients. The main reasons for this include the fact that the breasts may continue to grow after surgery, and there is a question over developmental maturity.

If a breast reduction were to be carried out before the body has finished developing, it could lead to undesirable results. It could also lead to an additional procedure being required if the breasts do grow even larger.

So, while a breast reduction can be beneficial to younger patients, not all will be eligible for the procedure. This is why surgeons tend to be more reluctant to operate on adolescents.

Studies show favourable outcomes for younger patients

Despite the concerns many surgeons have over operating on younger patients, studies have shown it can deliver favourable outcomes.

A study published in the September 2019 issue of the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal, showed a breast reduction is an effective procedure for younger patients. The study included 512 adolescent girls, aged 12 to 21 who had undergone a breast reduction. It showed that while minor complications are common, it drastically improved quality of life in most patients.

Top things to consider before undergoing a breast reduction

While undergoing a breast reduction can deliver a lot of benefits for younger patients, there are still things to consider.
The complications, although minor, should be considered. The most common complications include a raised or thickened scar, and continued breast growth. In the study mentioned earlier, approximately 5% of patients experienced continued breast growth after the procedure.

So, younger patients who are suffering with the negative effects of larger breasts can experience a lot of benefits from a breast reduction procedure. However, it is important to undergo a consultation to determine whether now is the right time to have the surgery. There are things to consider and ideally, the breasts should have stopped growing before a reduction is carried out.