Best Age for Breast Augmentation

• Publish Date: 2010/10/28 - (Rev. 2010/11/13)
• Author: Michael Ciaravino, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Outline: Most plastic surgeons require women to be at least 18 years old for saline breast implants and 22 years old for silicone breast implants.

Main Digest

If you plan to have breast augmentation you may be wondering, "What is the best age for breast augmentation" Well, there are a few age considerations, and the best cosmetic surgeons follow Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommendations.

When the FDA approved saline and silicone implants, it did so with concern that a woman's breast development be complete at the time she had implant surgery, and that she be emotionally mature and fully-informed. Most plastic surgeons require women to be at least 18 years old for saline breast implants and 22 years old for silicone breast implants.

Reasons for Minimum Age for Breast Augmentation

Women who have breast augmentation tend believe that larger breasts will make them feel better about themselves. Others have more serious issues like one breast being significantly larger or lower than the other, or other asymmetries. Women requiring breast reconstruction may opt to have a breast augmentation as part of the restoration.

Women in their teens or early twenties are less able to comprehend the future impact of an early breast augmentation. Peer pressure is a huge influence, especially younger women. Women tend to become more satisfied with their natural appearance as they get older and less concerned about what other people think.

Some women's breasts continue to develop until their early twenties. This includes developing fuller breasts or a natural correction of minor asymmetry. Sometimes nature takes her time producing her best work.

By the time a woman is in her early twenties, her reasons for choosing a breast augmentation are more personal, and less likely to lead to disappointment.

When to Have Breast Augmentation

Wait until you are through bearing children before having breast augmentation surgery. Pregnancy causes fluctuations in weight as well as breast size, which can stretch skin and lose the benefits gained from your implants. If you plan to breast-feed, there is a chance that breast augmentation surgery can interfere with your ability to produce milk.

There is little reason not to consider breast augmentation after childbearing age. Providing you are in good health, you should do as well as other women about your age. Bear in mind that people over 50 tend to heal more slowly, and results may not be as dramatic as for younger women. Skin loses elasticity, and with age comes the loss of muscle mass.

If you would like a breast augmentation consultation with one of the nation's most prominent cosmetic surgeons, please visit the website of Michael Ciaravino, M.D., F.A.C.S. whose patients come from around the world for cosmetic surgery at his Houston and Sugar Land, Texas clinics.

Website: www.thebodydoc.com