When it comes to breast implants, choosing when to get them is a personal decision. But there are certain age considerations that every patient should take into account before scheduling their breast augmentation. Here are some of our recommendations about what age is best for getting breast implants and what factors you should consider as you make your decision about when to undergo this procedure.

Official FDA Age Recommendations

First and foremost, it’s important to know that the FDA has approved saline implants for patients age 18 or older and silicone implants for patients age 22 or older. Both implant types are also FDA-approved for use in breast reconstruction for women of any age. Assuming there are no other factors to complicate the situation, these are the ages at which most women can get breast implants.

Our Age Recommendation

In keeping with FDA regulations, we recommend women wait until they are at least 18 years old to get saline implants or 22 years old to get silicone implants. That said, these are not necessarily the ideal ages for every individual who wants to undergo the procedure. Several other factors may affect the age at which you should first consider breast augmentation:

• Breast Development: You should wait until your breasts are fully developed to get breast implants. If your breasts are still developing naturally, getting implants could lead to a mismatched or unbalanced figure. While many women’s breasts are fully developed by age 17 or 18, sometimes the breasts will continue to develop into your 20s.
• Mental and Emotional Maturity: Breast implants are long-term devices that will permanently alter your appearance. It is unwise to get breast implants based on a rash or emotional decision. This major decision should be made at a time and age you are ready for a permanent change that will have long-term effects on your well-being.
• Finances: Breast implants are expensive and typically not covered by health insurance. Consider your current financial situation: are you prepared for the expense? Having financial stability is important for your quality of life, and for some it may be wise to wait until you are a bit older before taking on such an expense.
• Motherhood: If you have plans to become a mom, it is important to discuss this with your doctor. You cannot get breast implants while you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and both pregnancy and breastfeeding can also affect the shape, position, and size of your breasts. You may want to consider waiting until after you’re finished having children before you get implants.

Many women wait to get breast implants until their late 20s or early 30s. However, this is ultimately a personal decision that you should make in conjunction with your doctor’s advice.

Upper Age Limit

Some patients wonder if there is an upper age limit to getting breast implants. There is no set age at which a person is too old to undergo breast augmentation; however, there are age-related factors that can affect whether you are still a good candidate. These include:

• Health: Many older patients have health problems or take certain medications that could disqualify them from being suitable candidates for breast augmentation. Having poor health increases the risks of undergoing major surgery like breast augmentation, and it may mean you are not a good candidate for the procedure.
• Risks: As with any surgery, there are risks associated with breast augmentation. Older patients may be more likely to experience complications during or after the surgery due to age-related factors. It is important to talk to your doctor about the potential risks of the procedure before deciding if it is right for you.
• Recovery: The recovery after surgery is often longer and more challenging for older patients than for younger ones. This is due to having weaker immune systems as we age. If you are older, it may take longer for your body to heal and recover from the procedure, so it is important to consider this before making your decision.
• Skin Quality: As you age, your skin starts to sag and lose its elasticity. This can make it difficult for breast implants to maintain their shape and position over time. To ensure the best outcomes, patients should retain sufficiently good skin quality and skin elasticity to support breast implants long-term.

Overall, there is no set age at which you should get breast implants. All candidates should make a well-informed decision based on their own health and situation. Dr. Joyce Aycock, our board-certified plastic surgeon, can help you understand all the relevant information so that you can make the best choice.

Schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Aycock to discuss your options for breast augmentation. Call (720) 634-7400 or contact us online to book your appointment today.