Bilateral Reduction Mammoplasty in an Adolescent Population: Adolescent Bilateral Reduction Mammoplasty

Abstract

Bilateral reduction mammoplasty in adolescent patients can be a controversial procedure because of the significance of possible long-term complications and the permanence of the results. There are no current criteria specifically for adolescent candidates for reduction surgery, although many of these young women may have severe physical symptoms. Therefore, the demographics and outcomes of these patients are of particular interest in determining the risks and benefits particular to this surgery for younger patients. Seventy-three patients who had undergone bilateral reduction mammoplasty between 1981 and 2000 were identified in the hospital and office records of four midwestern plastic surgeons. Patient ages ranged between 12.5 and 18.9 years, with a mean age of 16.1 years. A two-pronged investigation involved examination of demographics of the adolescent population and short- and long-term outcomes and satisfaction. Demographic survey included age, weight, height, BMI, breast size, and amount of tissue removed. Indications for surgery and postoperative complications were surveyed in office records and via questionnaire. Seventeen patients (23%) were successfully contacted and returned a detailed questionnaire evaluating indications for surgery, preoperative and postoperative complications, and overall satisfaction. Eighty-two percent of patients reported resolution of their physical symptoms, including back, shoulder, and neck pain. Self-esteem, however, was cited most commonly as a reason to recommend this procedure to other adolescent women. Nearly 65% of respondents would repeat their adolescent surgical experience, and 82.4% would recommend this procedure to a teenaged friend in a similar situation. The authors' data suggest that adolescent patients benefit significantly from reduction mammoplasty and that long-term satisfaction remains high, despite the age of the patients at surgery.

The Impact of Macromastia on Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Health care providers and parents may be reluctant to offer reduction mammaplasty to adolescents for concerns of age, physical and psychological maturity, effect on future lactation, possible need for repeat surgery, effect on body image, or comorbidity with obesity. 26,27 However, successful reduction mammaplasty outcomes have been observed in young patients. 26,27,54,55 Adults who underwent mammaplasty as teenagers report high satisfaction levels throughout adulthood.…”

“…26,27 However, successful reduction mammaplasty outcomes have been observed in young patients. 26,27,54,55 Adults who underwent mammaplasty as teenagers report high satisfaction levels throughout adulthood. 27,28 Obesity status does not affect outcome or satisfaction, 54 suggesting that obesity should not be viewed as an absolute contraindication to surgery.…”

“…26,27,54,55 Adults who underwent mammaplasty as teenagers report high satisfaction levels throughout adulthood. 27,28 Obesity status does not affect outcome or satisfaction, 54 suggesting that obesity should not be viewed as an absolute contraindication to surgery. Reduction mammaplasty may even serve as a motivating factor for further weight loss, in part, because of increased ability to exercise.…”

“…2,4,[6][7][8]13,14,[16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25] However, many parents and physicians are reluctant to consider surgical correction for adolescents. 26,27 Data on the impact of macromastia on younger patients are needed to better inform health care providers, patients, and families in making appropriate treatment decisions.…”

“…27 Women who underwent reduction mammaplasty as adolescents reported experiencing teasing, embarrassment, and low selfconfidence preoperatively. 28 There is also evidence that younger women (,30 years old) are troubled by the psychosocial consequences of macromastia, including undesired attention and poor self-image.…”