Age

You can certainly have a breast reduction performed at the age of 16 provided that you have consent from your parents and you have also reached adult size.

If you have reached adult maturity, you can have a breast reduction at 16 with parental consent. Every insurance provider has requirements for approval of a breast reduction and I have seen some that say 18. You will just have to call your insurance company and find out 1) what medical requirements do you have to meet (back pain, headaches, limitation of activity etc) and 2) does your specific policy cover a breast reduction if you meet their requirements.

Best of luck

Jack Peterson MD

Dear Kcanner7,

Hello and thank you for your excellent question. Yes, you are a candidate for a breast reduction at age 16. However, you will need a parent or legal guardian present to consent with you. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!