Specialized care for adolescents, teens and young adults with breast anomalies
Breast anomalies are deformities in the growth of the breast, such as asymmetry, underdevelopment and massive overgrowth.
The Breast Anomalies Program at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital offers complete breast reconstruction care in a patient-centered, supportive environment.
Choosing treatment for breast anomalies
Breast development is an important marker of the transition to adulthood for many teens. Coming to terms with breast anomalies can be particularly difficult for many girls and women during this time period. Fortunately, most breast abnormalities in children and adolescents are medically benign, but the impact on self-esteem and social self-consciousness can be striking for some girls and young women.
Patients with congenital breast abnormalities often seek advice for the first time at around the time of puberty. For some individuals, patients at this age are acutely aware of their bodies and feelings about how they may be perceived by peers. Early consultation with a specialist can be beneficial for two primary reasons:
- Some congenital breast anomalies can be complex, with a higher likelihood for best results from reconstruction through earlier intervention.
- For teens and young adults with heightened sensitivity about their anomaly, earlier intervention may pre-empt more significant psychosocial adjustment concerns.
Conditions we treat
Our team specializes in caring for adolescents, teens and young adults up to age 25 with breast abnormalities including:
- Amastia (absent breast)
- Amazia (absent nipple)
- Accessory nipple
- Asymmetry
- Breast masses: cysts, tumors, lumps and bumps
- Constricted breast deformity
- Inverted nipple
- Underdeveloped or overdeveloped structures
- Macromastia (female with excessive breast development)
- Micromastia (small breast development)
- Missing structures
- Gynecomastia (male developing breast tissue abnormally)
- Poland syndrome
Our approach to care
Our team of breast reconstruction specialists includes board-certified experts in pediatric plastic and reconstructive surgery. Together, our specialists focus on shape and symmetry with the other side across both breasts, as well as preservation of function (sensation, lactation). Our goal is always to optimize long-term results for each child we care for.
As with any surgery, parental consent is required for all plastic surgery procedures performed on teens younger than 18 years old. Our team of plastic surgeons will work closely with parents and adolescents to determine the best treatment options for your family.
Why choose us?
As an academic medical center, our specialists are leaders in teaching the next generation of plastic surgeons, as well as in research to advance the field of plastic surgery. Our leadership in this area gives us a uniquely thorough understanding of the distinctive aspects of these conditions and their underlying causes, and makes us particularly well-qualified to treat not just the symptoms of breast anomalies, but the entire condition.
The size and longevity of our program distinguishes us, resulting in a level of expertise that can only come from extensive experience treating complex plastic surgical problems.
C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital is one of the first hospitals in the nation to receive verification as a Level 1 Children’s Surgery Center, the highest designation awarded to children’s hospitals by the American College of Surgeons. The verification is meant to be an indicator that the hospital can match each child’s individual surgical needs with the best care environment, with minimal complications, reduced costs, and improved quality.
We work closely with a dedicated, specially trained team of pediatric anesthesiologists focused on ensuring optimum safety for our patients during and after surgery.
Our patient- and family centered approach to treatment ensures your child will be cared for not just physically but also with a focus on providing support and resources to create confidence within patients and families throughout their journey.
We look forward to the opportunity to meeting your family and working with you to provide world-class care for your adolescent.
Appointments & More Information
Schedule an appointment by calling us at 734-998-6022.