Study Shows Impact of Reduction Mammoplasty on Adolescents

There has been a considerable rise in the figures for reduction mammoplasty performed on teenage patients, maybe because of the higher occurrence of childhood obesity or the improved body awareness among adolescents or both. A study was carried out to analyze how reduction mammoplasty impacts teenagers. A retrospective review was performed by researchers from Sheffield Children’s Hospital in England to identify the indications, complications and long-term outcomes of this procedure.

A successful procedure makes the breasts smaller, firmer, lighter, and more evenly proportioned. It usually relieves the physical discomfort and pain caused by large breasts. Whether the candidates are teenagers or adult women, the results are considered permanent unless affected by pregnancy, weight gain, or weight loss. The presently discussed study is exclusively on the treatment impact on teens.

Here are the details of the study.

  • Females less than 19 years of age (mean age, 17.4 years) undergoing reduction mammoplasty were involved in the study
  • A total of 36 females were part of the study
  • There were females who had undergone unilateral or bilateral reduction mammoplasty
  • Details on patient demographics, mechanical and psychological symptoms and postoperative complications were compiled by the surgeons
  • A qualitative prospective questionnaire study was organized between five and 13 years following surgery
  • In order to assess surgery benefits, responses were rated using the Likert Scaling system
  • The study notes the most common pre-surgery mechanical symptoms as back and neck pain, difficulty sleeping and intertrigo
  • Other than the physical factors, a number of other psychological complaints were also noted such as increased self-consciousness, low self-esteem, depression and bullying
  • The physical and psychological improvement following surgery and follow-up were noted
  • 67 percent of females experienced an instant resolution of mechanical symptoms and 47 percent of them were bettered in psychological symptoms

To conclude, the study noted that "Reduction mammaplasty is especially beneficial in this group of patients as they suffer increased psychological co-morbidities versus their adult counterparts. Patients need to be adequately assessed and counseled for optimal outcome".

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery offers guidelines for evaluating teenagers who are considering cosmetic plastic surgery, which includes assessing physical maturity, exploring emotional maturity and expectations and other details. A good surgeon always evaluates the patients to know if the treatment offers the right results for them.