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How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Breast Reduction?

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How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Breast Reduction?

Large breasts can cause physical and emotional discomfort at any age but can cause a particular amount of distress during teen years, when some girls may develop much larger breasts than their peers and feel uncomfortable with the fit of their clothes, doing athletic activities, or when being teased. Not all teens can receive a breast reduction, but some may be good candidates for the procedure. 

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*Individual Results May Vary

What is Breast Reduction?

A breast reduction removes excess tissue from the breasts to make them smaller. It also reshapes the remaining breast tissue to give a pleasing appearance. The removal of excess breast tissue removes weight and strain from the shoulders, back, and neck, providing relief from muscle aches and discomfort. 

How Does Breast Reduction Work?

An anesthesiologist will put you under a general anesthetic to prevent any discomfort. Dr. Lawton will use the best type of incision for your needs, allowing her to access the tissue and also tighten and reshape the areola. 

How Old Do You Have to Be For a Breast Reduction?

This answer varies for each person. Factors include the stage of breast development, whether the person has excess body fat, and emotional maturity. Some candidates may be as young as 16, while others may not be eligible until they are closer to 18. 

The start of puberty triggers breast development, and the earlier puberty begins, the earlier girls will see breast development. One concern involves the fact that performing a reduction before the breast is finished developing could lead to regrowth

Studies also indicate that patients with excess body weight have a greater risk of regrowing breast tissue, as well as a greater risk of breast enlargement due to weight changes. Dr. Lawton can advise you on this issue. 

Emotional maturity includes the ability to understand the recovery process as well as having reasonable expectations about what the procedure can and cannot accomplish, as well as the inevitable scarring that will remain. 

CONSULTATIONS AVAILABLE NOW

The first step is to schedule an in-person consultation with Dr. Lawton or one of our trusted providers at Tenley K Lawton M.D. in Neport Beach, CA. Simply fill out the form on this page and we will reach out to you promptly to schedule your appointment.

What Results Can I Expect From a Breast Reduction?

You can expect smaller, shapely, attractive breasts with an improved appearance of the areola. You can also expect a reduction or disappearance of the pain in your shoulders, back, and neck caused by the excess weight of the large breasts. 

You can expect that you will have some scars after the procedure, although their location depends on the type of incisions that your surgeon uses. Recovery takes time, and most patients will go home within 24 to 48 hours after surgery. 

You will see heavy swelling and bruising for several days after surgery. After about two weeks, the swelling will start to noticeably decrease. You will be able to resume some activities after about six weeks, but your doctor will advise you on which activities you should avoid at first. 

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*Individual Results May Vary

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Dr. Lawton strives to provide the best experience for everyone who chooses her practice for their aesthetic needs. Read why our patients love their results & experience with Dr. Lawton and her team of expert providers.

Take the Next Step

Would you like to learn more about breast reduction? Simply fill out the form on this page or call us at (949) 640-0999 to schedule your consultation with Board-Certified plastic surgeon Dr. Tenley Lawton. Proudly serving Newport Beach and the greater Orange County, CA area.

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