Adolescent & Congenital Breast Surgery

What is adolescent and congenital breast surgery?

Adolescent and congenital breast surgery treats breast conditions in teenagers and young patients — reduction for severe adolescent hypertrophy, and reconstruction of underdeveloped or markedly asymmetric breasts — performed by Dr. Wai-Yee Li, who trained in pediatric plastic surgery caring for patients from the NICU to age 18.

Some breast conditions begin long before adulthood — and very few practices are equipped to treat them. Dr. Wai-Yee Li trained in pediatric plastic surgery, caring for patients from the newborn intensive care unit to age 18, and brings that experience to breast surgery for teenagers and young patients.

Conditions Dr. Li treats in young patients

Severe adolescent breast hypertrophy — breasts that grow disproportionately large during the teenage years, causing neck, back and shoulder strain, skin irritation, and real limits on sport and daily life. Treated with breast reduction, timed thoughtfully with the patient and family.
Underdeveloped (hypoplastic) breasts — when one or both breasts do not develop as expected, reconstruction can restore a natural shape.
Marked asymmetry — a significant difference between the breasts that goes beyond normal variation and affects how a young patient feels in her own body.
Congenital breast differences — conditions present from birth or that appear with development, assessed with the same care Dr. Li brought to her pediatric surgical training.

Why pediatric training matters here

Operating on a young patient is not the same as operating on an adult. Growth is still under way, the emotional stakes of adolescence are real, and families are part of every decision. Dr. Li's pediatric plastic surgery background — from the NICU through age 18 — means these conversations and operations happen with a surgeon who has spent her career caring for exactly this age group.

How a consultation works

Consultations for younger patients always include the family. Dr. Li examines, explains what is happening and what the options are — including the option of waiting — and answers every question in plain language. There is never pressure to decide in the room.

To talk through your daughter's or son's situation with Dr. Li, request a consultation or call the practice at 626.888.9728.

Frequently asked questions

At what age can breast surgery be considered for a teenager?

It depends on the condition and on growth. For severe adolescent hypertrophy, timing is weighed with the patient and family once development has stabilized enough for a lasting result — and waiting is always presented as an option. Dr. Li's pediatric training guides that judgment.

Does Dr. Li treat breast asymmetry in young patients?

Yes. Marked asymmetry and underdeveloped (hypoplastic) breasts are among the conditions she treats, drawing on both her reconstructive practice and her pediatric plastic surgery background — caring for patients from the newborn intensive care unit to age 18.

Are parents part of the consultation?

Always. Consultations for patients under 18 include the family, cover every option including waiting, and move at the family's pace.

Meet your surgeon

Dr. Wai-Yee Li,
MD PhD FACS

A female board-certified plastic surgeon in Arcadia, Los Angeles, specializing in aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery — with a focus on the best surgical outcomes, less pain and minimal scarring.

Meet Dr. Wai-Yee Li ›