What Is the Right Age for Breast Reduction 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.

Read more: What Happens in a Breast Reduction Procedure?

The Best Age for Breast Reduction

Many think that only older women struggle with the problems of overly large breasts; however, younger girls also suffer from its unpleasant symptoms. Although there is no official breast reduction age, most surgeons recommend postponing this surgery until 18 as the breasts may redevelop after adolescence. 

It is noteworthy that in certain situations where the patient suffers from chronic pain caused by large breasts, the surgeon may perform the surgery when she is under 18. 

In general, doctors consider the following factors before determining the best age for breast reduction:

• The health condition of the patient. The healthier you are, the sooner you can get reduction mammaplasty;
• The severity of pain and discomfort related to enlarged breasts. If you have an unbearable sore in your neck and shoulder or your breasts are causing spinal deformity, the doctor suggests performing surgery as soon as possible;
• Determination of the patient to treat macromastia. Undergoing an extensive surgery such as breast reduction needs psychological maturity as the results of this operation are permanent. Therefore, you must be determined to reduce the size and shape of your overly large 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. Interestingly, this surgery is more prevalent among more mature women as they suffer from complications of macromastia due to hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause, and weight gain. According to the studies, breast reduction is safe for women over the age of 45 and improves their general health. 

However, it should be noted that if you are above 50 and have serious health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, a history of stroke, mental retardation, or congenital malformations, you have to reconsider getting breast reduction surgery.

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. There is no strict age limit for breast reduction, but overall health conditions might influence the age limit for breast reduction surgery.

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.

Breast Reduction in Iran

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.