Macromastia and Breast Reduction for Teens

What is macromastia?

Macromastia is a condition in which the breast tissue is abnormally enlarged. Large breasts can cause your teen health and emotional issues, as well as impair their ability to live an active lifestyle. 

What are the symptoms?

If your teen complains about pain and discomfort, mostly back and neck, and limitations on physical activities, these could be due to the weight of excess breast tissue.

When is surgery indicated?

An evaluation by a plastic surgeon will be beneficial for potential breast reduction surgery if your teen:

• experiences back, neck or shoulder pain
• has fully-developed breasts
• is bothered by the feeling that her breasts are too large
• is physically healthy and of stable weight
• has breasts that hang low and has stretched skin
• feels her breast size limits physical activity

What is breast reduction?

Breast reduction surgery, or reduction mammoplasty, removes excess breast fat, glandular tissue and skin with the goal of attaining a breast size that is proportional to the body. It may benefit your teen in a number of ways. It can reduce discomfort in the back, neck and shoulders, improve the ability to exercise, improve sleep quality and help with insecurities in self-image.

It should be a decision your teen makes for themselves, together with your consent, and not to fulfill someone else’s desire or to fit any sort of ideal image.

Learn more about plastic surgery at Texas Children’s.