Today, breast augmentation is the second most popular cosmetic procedure in the United States, giving women the svelte, shapely curves they want with relative ease. At SANDS Aesthetics + Plastic Surgery in Metairie, LA, we’ve witnessed the transformations ourselves and liken them to butterflies emerging from cocoons. And, fortunately, surgery can be a great choice for a variety of women, from those studying in college to those advanced in their careers.
What Is the Best Age for a Breast Augmentation?
We want to make clear now, before we go further, there is no right age for implants. It’s a decision you can make at any time with only two guidelines to follow. First, be sure you’re choosing augmentation for yourself and not to please a partner, spouse, or loved one. And, you must be over the age of 18 for saline implants and over age 22 for silicone implants as mandated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Age Is Just a Number
If you’re looking for a rule of thumb where augmentation is concerned, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reports the median age for augmentation is 34. This surgery is most popular among women ages 30 to 39 and 40 to 54. Those under age 29 and over 55 are less likely to choose it.
If you fall outside the 30 to 54 age bracket, you shouldn’t assume surgery isn’t right for you. You’re simply making the decision for augmentation at a time different from other women – and that’s perfectly fine. Providers are generally more concerned with understanding your surgery goals and helping you feel more confident in your own skin – not the number of birthdays you’ve celebrated.
Is a Certain Age Too Old?
Young women aren’t the only ones concerned with how they look. It is for this reason that mature women often consider augmentation as well, but then they begin to wonder if 50 is too old or if 60 is an appropriate age for surgery. We’re pleased to tell you breast implants impose no upper age limit. Again, what matters much more are your physical health and emotional well-being.
Many mature women successfully undergo the surgery and are then ecstatic with their results. The one key difference is that women over 40 often consider augmentation for different reasons than younger women. For instance, they may want to restore breast shape, regain lost volume, and/or enjoy a more youthful silhouette. Sagging or deflated breasts can contribute to an aged appearance and cause a loss of self-confidence.
Implants and Mammograms
Some women over 40 worry that implants will affect their mammogram results. Data from The Cleveland Clinic, however, proves that a mammography machine does not damage or squeeze implants. Nor does augmentation interfere with imaging results. You need only let the technologist know you have implants when you schedule your mammogram, and they can accordingly plan to take pictures from different angles.
The Augmentation and Lift Combination
Mature New Orleans women may also choose to combine augmentation with a breast lift. The former enhances your breast size, while the latter restores shape and position. Combining these two procedures can fully rejuvenate your appearance, resulting in breasts that are fuller, perkier, and more shapely. This is also an ideal way to combat the effects of gravity and a loss of skin elasticity.
Questions to Ask Yourself Before Surgery
Now that you’ve released the notion that age is a hindrance in getting breast implants, you can focus on other items that demand your attention. For instance, are you in good general health and do you have realistic expectations for the procedure? If your answer is yes to both questions, you’re likely a great candidate. Keep in mind non-smokers usually respond best to any surgery, so now is the perfect time to kick that nicotine habit.
Have You Achieved Your Family Planning Goals?
Now is also the time to ask if you’re finished with family planning goals. Although breast augmentation does not influence a woman’s ability to breastfeed or get pregnant later down the road, the effects of pregnancy can adversely affect your surgery results.
Weight gain and stretched skin, for instance, can alter the appearance of your newly-rejuvenated breasts. This can make another surgery necessary. To avoid future procedures and enjoy your breast implants for as long as possible, we recommend waiting on augmentation until you’re finished having children.
Do You Have the Time for a Full Recovery?
The recovery from augmentation is neither long nor difficult, especially when compared to other procedures. But you will need time to rest, especially in the first two weeks following your operation. The more you rest during this time, the faster your overall recovery may go. This means no lifting, no strenuous activities, and no vigorous workouts. You’ll need to listen to your body and gradually increase activity levels according to our recommendations.
Although full recovery can take four to six weeks, most patients return to work after a week or two. Our staff can discuss this in detail during your consultation, at which time we’ll determine the placement of your incisions and implants. The instructions we provide for healing and aftercare will need to be followed as closely as possible, making it crucial that you have the time necessary to recover. Pushing yourself too hard too soon can prolong the process.
What Are Your Motivations?
We touched on this topic earlier, but it deserves a second glance. Healthy reasons for choosing breast implants focus on improving your self-image and confidence levels. For instance, longing for a smoother silhouette or hoping to feel sexier in your clothes are perfectly acceptable. But if you’re choosing augmentation to save a relationship or meet someone else’s expectations, it’s time to ask if surgery will also make you happy.
Important Details of the Surgery
Even if you’ve devoted hours to researching the topic of augmentation, you will likely have questions once you arrive for your consultation. Feel free to write these down and ask every single one – we’re happy to clarify technical terms, explain what you should expect, and walk you through the decisions that need to be made. For instance, we’ll discuss the:
- Type and size of implant right for you
- Incision placement you need
- The estimated cost of your surgery
Results Can Take Time to Develop
Your final results won’t instantly appear, and this is perfectly normal. We always warn patience is necessary as the implants soften and settle into the natural pocket of breast tissue. During this process, the implants will take on a more seamless look and feel. And we will continue to monitor your progress to ensure your body heals as expected.
You Will Need to Adjust to Changes
Likewise, you will need time to adjust to your new breast size and shape. Larger breasts will alter your body both physically and aesthetically, meaning the way you complete ordinary tasks will also be different. These changes are exciting, but it’s important to know your body will at first feel unfamiliar.
You’ll likewise need to get fitted for new bras in New Orleans and try on different types of clothing to find your comfort level. As you begin to discover your style and welcome the changes to your body, you’ll feel bolder, more beautiful, and more confident.
Implants Are Designed to Be Long-Lasting
Many women believe implants must be replaced every 10 years, but this is a myth. They can, in fact, last as long as 20 years. And unless you want to do so for personal reasons, there’s no reason to change them out (unless we recommend doing so). You can therefore rest easy in knowing you’ll enjoy your surgery results for many years to come, especially if you combine breast augmentation with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Choosing the Right Surgeon Is Crucial
Every piece of the breast augmentation procedure becomes easier when you work with an experienced plastic surgeon you can trust. You should therefore seek a professional who is board-certified and a member of the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. Also look for support staff who are warm and friendly. They can enhance your patient care, answer questions, and ensure you feel comfortable with the procedure.
Love Your Body
Breast implants can help you love your body and look and feel more youthful. Remember age is little more than a number and that as long as you enjoy overall health, you may be a qualified candidate. Schedule your consultation today by calling the caring team at SANDS Aesthetics + Plastic Surgery in Metairie, LA.
