Pediatric and Adolescent Breast Health Clinic

Different conditions can affect breast development in children and teens. A child’s breasts may be large and heavy, underdeveloped (too small), different sizes (asymmetrical) or missing areolas and nipples. These breast changes can affect a young person’s physical and mental well-being.

The Pediatric Breast Health Clinic at Children’s Health^SM is the only one in North Texas offering a full range of breast surgeries for teens and young adults. Your child’s care is in the expert hands of our highly experienced team led by Jessica M. May, MD. Dr. May is one of a select few female pediatric plastic surgeons in the country offering a full range of breast surgeries for children and teens with breast differences.

We understand that breast changes are deeply personal and can be uncomfortable for a young patient to discuss. At our clinic — one of only two in Texas — our care team understands these needs and concerns. We provide compassionate, personalized care in a setting and manner that respects patient privacy. We offer consultations, advanced breast procedures and follow-up care that improves a young person’s health, confidence and appearance.

North Texas’s one-of-a-kind pediatric breast care clinic

We’re the only center in North Texas — and one of just two in the state — with a dedicated breast care clinic for children, teens and young adults with breast differences. We treat patients up to age 21.

Because breast size can change rapidly in a year, patients come to our clinic once a year for exams and measurements. Surgeries take place after puberty when breast size remains the same for at least six months. This approach ensures the best results and reduces the need for future follow-up procedures.

Pediatricians, pediatric endocrinologists and other providers can refer patients to us. Families can also self-refer.

Visiting the breast clinic: What to expect

With a patient’s consent, a parent may be present during the physical exam. If a patient declines this option, another provider is always present when our breast specialist performs exams.

During clinic visits, our care team members may:

• Address patient questions and concerns

• Ask questions to understand how the breast condition affects a young person’s life, including their ability to be physically active, feel confident and engage with peers

• Conduct a physical exam, including a breast exam to check for breast masses

• Take breast measurements

• Perform a mental health assessment for anxiety and depression, which can occur due to bullying, self-esteem issues and physical inactivity

• Perform blood tests to check for health conditions like diabetes, as well as nutritional deficiencies

• Discuss treatment options, including the best time for a patient to get surgery

Multidisciplinary care led by a renowned breast surgeon

Patients undergo surgery with Dr. May, one of a select few female pediatric plastic surgeons in the nation performing breast procedures on pediatric patients. When needed, Dr. May partners with other Children’s Health specialists to manage every part of a patient’s health care needs. These specialists may include:

• Pediatric and adolescent gynecologists, who manage conditions that affect breast development in girls

• Pediatric endocrinologists, who manage hormonal changes that affect breast development, such as early puberty, delayed puberty and male breast enlargement

• Pediatric health psychologist, who specializes in helping children and teens who need plastic surgery to treat differences in appearances

• Exercise experts and nutritionists at Get Up & Go, who support weight loss efforts that may be needed before breast surgery can take place

Full range of breast surgeries

Breast surgeries take place under general anesthesiology, which means patients sleep through the procedure. Our pediatric anesthesiologists are experts in minimizing pain and keeping young patients comfortable during and after breast surgery. When possible, our breast surgeon makes incisions in skin folds, making scars less noticeable.

We offer all types of breast surgeries for teens and young adults, including:

• Breast augmentation using fat transfers or breast implants

• Breast (chest), areola and nipple reconstruction

• Breast reduction

Benefits of breast surgery

Breast surgery offers many benefits. It can:

• Boost confidence and self-esteem

• Ease back pain, neck pain and skin irritation

• Help clothes fit better

• Improve appearances

• Make it more comfortable to participate in physical activities

Ongoing care after breast surgery

Most patients go home the same day of surgery. Patients who live several hours away may spend the night in the hospital. Patients return to the clinic within two weeks for an incision check and scar care. We see patients every three months for the first year to monitor surgical results. Because breasts are always changing, we continue to see patients once a year until the transition to adult care. When needed, some appointments may take place via telehealth.