Reduction Mammoplasties in Adolescents: Examining Motivations and Resources Available to Patients

Women who have abnormally large breasts often choose to undergo reduction mammoplasty, also known as breast reduction surgery. There have been many studies examining the psychological and medical reasons underlying why adult women seek such an operation as well as its postoperative effects. However, adolescents with enlarged breasts lack the knowledge and institutional support for their operations. This paper will examine the existing literature on adolescent reduction mammoplasties and comment on the lack of infrastructure and support for patients and their families.