What Is the Right Age for Breast Reduction Surgery?
Body Plastic Surgery
Overly large breasts can cause many problems, such as back and neck pain, poor posture, spinal deformity, and low self-confidence. Women with oversized breasts can eliminate their discomforts by undergoing breast reduction surgery, also known as reduction mammaplasty.
While it is generally recommended that girls wait until their breasts have fully developed, some individuals may require the surgery at a younger age due to significant physical discomfort or emotional distress. The appropriate breast reduction surgery age can be determined after carefully considering individual factors and consulting a qualified plastic surgeon. In this essay, we discuss the best age for breast reduction and answer some of your frequently asked questions, such as how old you have to be to get a breast reduction.

What Is Breast Reduction Surgery?
Macromastia is a medical term for the abnormal enlargement of the breast tissues and glands. In addition to its aesthetic problems, macromastia can cause physical pain, emotional distress, and limitations in daily activities. People with oversized breasts suffer from shoulder, neck, and back pain, severe headaches, and skin irritations.
Macromastia cannot be treated by regular exercise and diet, so patients should undergo breast reduction surgery to reshape their breasts and eliminate discomfort. In general, people get reduction mammaplasty due to the following reasons:
- Downsizing and reshaping the breasts;
- Reliving the pain in the back, neck, and shoulders;
- Reducing emotional distress;
- Eliminating skin infections and rashes under the breasts;
- Reducing the size of the areola area;
- Reducing the excess breast skin;
- Boosting self-esteem and sexual enjoyment;
- Being able to do daily activities easier;
- Improving the quality of sleep.
The Best Age for Breast Reduction
It's a common misconception that problems with large breasts only affect older women, but younger girls can experience the unpleasant symptoms as well. Although there isn't a set age for breast reduction, most surgeons advise waiting until age 18 because the breasts may redevelop after adolescence.
It's interesting to note that a surgeon may operate on a patient under the age of eighteen if she has chronic pain from large breasts.
In general, doctors consider the following factors before determining the best age for breast reduction:
• The patient's state of health. The healthier you are, the sooner you can get reduction mammaplasty;
• The degree of pain and discomfort associated with enlarged breasts; The doctor recommends surgery as soon as possible if you have an excruciating sore in your neck and shoulder or if your breasts are causing spinal deformity;
• The patient's decision to treat macromastia. Because the results of a major surgery like breast reduction are permanent, undergoing such surgery requires psychological maturity. You must therefore be committed to minimizing the size and form of your excessively protruding breasts.

Am I Too Old for Breast Reduction Surgery?
Many women over the age of 45 wonder if they are too old for breast reduction surgery. It's interesting to note that older women are more likely to have this surgery because they experience macromastia complications from weight gain, menopause, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and hormonal fluctuations. Studies show that breast reduction enhances women's overall health and is safe for those over 45.
However, it should be mentioned that you should think twice before undergoing breast reduction surgery if you are over 50 and have significant health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, a history of stroke, mental retardation, or congenital malformations.
In summary, the minimum age for breast reduction may vary depending on individual circumstances, but it is generally advisable to wait until breast development is complete. Although there is no set age for breast reduction, a patient's health can have a significant impact on who is a good candidate for the procedure and when they can have one without discomfort.

Breast Reduction for Women of Childbearing Age
Suppose you are of childbearing age and intend to get pregnant and breastfeed. In that case, you should discuss it with your surgeon because reduction mammaplasty involves incisions through milk ducts, and your nipples may be repositioned or unattached. Moreover, your breasts will get large during the pregnancy, which can affect your operation’s results. It should also be mentioned that after breast reduction surgery, you can still breastfeed, but the amount of milk may be less than normal. Therefore, postponing this surgery until after pregnancy and lactation is suggested.
Breast Reduction in Iran
In Iran, breast reduction is performed in high-standard hospitals and clinics that are equipped with the latest medical tools and operating instruments. The cost of this cosmetic procedure in Iran ranges between 2,500 to 4,000 USD, depending on the city where you get the surgery, the surgeon’s reputation and expertise, the extent of the surgery, the post-op medications, and the hospital’s charge. It should also be noted that you need to stay only 7 to 10 days in Iran for pre-op evaluations, getting the operation, and post-op examinations.
FAQs about the Best Age for Breast Reduction Surgery
How old do you have to be to get breast reduction surgery?
Generally speaking, there is no best breast reduction surgery age. You can undergo this operation as soon as your breasts have stopped growing. However, most surgeons believe that the ideal time for breast reduction is between the ages of 18 and 45, as the skin is still elastic and the body can recover appropriately.
Can a 15-year-old get a breast reduction?
Yes, but it is usually recommended to wait until your breasts’ development is finished.
When can a teenager get a breast reduction?
Depending on the patient’s health condition and the surgery’s aim, the best age for getting a breast reduction in the teenage years is between 16 and 18.
Is there an age limit for breast reduction in Iran?
In Iran, you can get breast reduction surgery from age 15 if you are qualified for this procedure.
Can Teenagers Get Breast Reduction Surgery?
Teenage breast reduction is not very common. However, it can be considered in certain cases. Teenagers who have excessively large breasts that cause physical discomfort, such as back or shoulder pain, may be candidates for the procedure. Additionally, breast reduction surgery may be an option if a teenager is experiencing emotional distress or self-esteem issues due to their breast size.
What is the average age for breast reduction surgery?
The average age for breast reduction surgery is typically between 18 and 35 years old. However, there is no strict breast reduction surgery age limit, and it can be performed on individuals outside of this age range if they meet the necessary criteria.
Can I breastfeed after reduction surgery?
Some women who have not had children or 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. The techniques used for a reduction are the friendliest to future breastfeeding. Please bring up your concerns about future breastfeeding during your consultation.
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