Breast Implants – What Age is Best?
Many patients ask, what is the best time to get breast implants? Women across the United States and Canada seek breast augmentation with either silicone or saline implants to enhance the look of their breasts at many different stages in their life. Thousands of breast augmentation procedures are performed each year as more women are realizing benefits such as increased confidence and better fitting clothes.
As our society becomes more health-conscious, women try to determine if they are an ideal candidate for breast implants by asking their surgeon many qualifying questions regarding their age and medical history. When determining whether or not you are an ideal candidate for breast augmentation, only a consultation with a qualified cosmetic surgeon can help you learn what’s best for you. However, as a safe rule, breast augmentation is appropriate for healthy women between the ages of 18 and 50. While this is a large age range, it is up to the individual and their surgeon to determine when to choose breast augmentation surgery.
Can Teenagers Have Breast Implants?
Yes. While the Food and Drug Administration does not recommend breast implants for anyone under the age of 18, there are no strict laws preventing younger patients from having breast augmentation surgery. In general, it is advised that women wait until their breasts are fully developed to realize the most benefits from getting breast implants. For many women, breasts continue to develop through the teen years until their early 20’s. However, depending on your particular situation, your surgeon may develop a customized plan of care for you at any age.
What is the Most Common Age for Breast Implants?
Most breast augmentation procedures are performed on women between the ages of 20 and 35. While most women get breast implants during this age, there are many things to consider before moving forward with surgery. First of all, women in their early 20’s may still have developing breasts. Getting breast implants too early in the developing stages, may result in stretch marks or sagging breasts.
Another concern for women in this age group is pregnancy. In general, it is recommended to wait until after you are finished having children. Changes in size and shape of your breasts during pregnancy can adversely affect the firmness and contours of your new breasts.
Breast Augmentation for Women 35 and Beyond
Getting breast implants between 35 and 50 is a great time due to your personal and medical status. Women in this age range are often finished having children while still remaining healthy. It is estimated that approximately 35% of breast augmentation procedures are performed on women in this age range.
If you are over 50, you can still be a great candidate for breast implants. However, as with any surgical procedure, this age group can be faced with more risks. It is important to be in optimal health when considering cosmetic surgery later in life.
How Do I Decide What Age is Best for Me?
Talk with your cosmetic surgeon about your concerns and questions about breast augmentation surgery. Many factors other than your age will be taken into account when deciding whether or not you are an ideal candidate for surgery. No matter what your age is, each patient is unique and should receive a unique plan of care and review of risks and benefits of saline or silicone breast implants. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if you are ready for breast implants. Be open and honest with your surgeon so he or she can present you with all of your options and help you develop realistic expectations for surgery.
