Teen Angel
Breast Reduction May be Beneficial for Teens
As a Los Angeles cosmetic surgeon who regularly performs a wide range of breast surgery procedures, I see various types of women who come to my practice. Many of those patients are young women, and have been interested in breast reduction surgery since they were teenagers. Having so many women who have been considering the procedure for so long raises the issue of plastic surgery for teenagers, particularly breast surgery. The issue divides many people, as there are many opinions on what is and is not appropriate. From a surgical standpoint, I have found that for select teenage patients, breast reduction surgery may provide even greater benefits than it does for adult women who have had the procedure.
Breast Reduction Benefits
Breast reduction surgery at my Los Angeles practice is one of the most common surgeries I perform, as the procedure can provide many benefits both physically and psychologically. One of the main and immediate benefits of a breast reduction is the physical relief from large, oversize breasts. Because having such large breasts can cause back, shoulder, neck and chest pain, reducing the size can have a significant impact on a woman’s life. Oftentimes, women with large breasts have difficulty participating in physical activities like sports or exercising. A breast reduction allows women to participate in these types of activities more easily.
In addition to the physical benefit of not having oversized breasts, a breast reduction can provide psychological benefits. For instance, an increase of self-esteem is one of the main benefits my breast reduction patients tell me they experience. Many times, before their breast reduction, women feel self-conscious about their breasts, and may even receive unwanted attention. After their breast reduction, many tell me how much more confident they feel with their bodies.
Teens and Plastic Surgery
Teenagers having plastic surgery can be a sensitive issue, and one that many people feel strongly about. As a surgeon who regularly performs breast surgery, I believe that candidacy for a surgery should always be dependent on the individual. In many cases, teenagers should not receive plastic surgery because their bodies are still developing, and the results of the procedure can change once they have finished developing.
Although their bodies may still be developing, sometimes the benefits of a breast reduction can outweigh the drawbacks for a teenager. In instances where the teen is suffering from low self-esteem and is unable to participate in a variety of physical activities, she may be a candidate for the procedure. For all of my Los Angeles patients who want breast reductions, a thorough consultation is necessary to determine if the procedure is appropriate for them. If I feel that a teenager can benefit from the surgery, I may deem the patient an appropriate candidate.
One of the reasons that teens may benefit from a breast reduction more so than adults is because they are at an age where they are particularly image-conscious. Also, various athletic sports are a popular extracurricular activity in high school; therefore, having the ability to participate in these activities can help their physical health and can even lead to a future in a specific sport.
Conclusion
Although it may be beneficial for some teens to receive a breast reduction, the surgery is certainly not for everyone. The best way for a young woman to learn if she is a candidate for the procedure is to speak with a plastic surgeon for a complete assessment.
About the Author
The board certified plastic surgeons at Marina Plastic Surgery Associates specialize in Los Angeles breast reduction. Their Southern California office is located in Marina Del Rey and serves patients from all over California including Beverly Hills, Santa Monica and Pasadena. More procedures include, tummy tucks, liposuction and facelifts.
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