My breasts are small. Can I make them larger?
- Britta*

Just like eye color or height, a girl's genes decide her breast side. If you're in your teens, your breasts may still grow and change, but they may also have reached their final size. You won't know until you've finished growing. For most girls, that's in their late teens to early twenties.

Many products claim to boost breast size, but save your money: They don't work. Some girls are happier with their appearance when they wear padded bras. Others find that certain styles of tops and dresses are more flattering than others.

If you're concerned about the size or development of your breasts, talk to your doctor or gynecologist. Everyone goes through times when they don't like parts of their bodies — it's a normal part of getting used to a changing body. Even girls with large breasts can be unhappy and wish their breasts were smaller. Some find that their backs or shoulders hurt or that large breasts attract unwanted attention.

The only way to permanently change breast size is through cosmetic surgery, which comes with its own risks (and expense). Doctors usually prefer that girls wait until development is complete before getting surgery.

Reviewed by: Julia Brown Lancaster, RN
Date reviewed: January 2013

*Names have been changed to protect user privacy.