The best time for breast implants is going to be unique for every individual, and there are a number of health and lifestyle factors to consider before determining when it’s right for you.
Best Age for Breast Augmentation
In general, the best age for breast augmentation is when a woman is in her 20s or 30s. This is because a woman’s breasts are typically fully developed by this age, and she is likely to have a good amount of natural breast tissue to work with. Additionally, a woman in her 20s or 30s is likely to have more skin elasticity, which can help the implants settle into place more smoothly.
However, a woman of any age in good health can be a good candidate for breast implants. Breast augmentation remains a popular choice for women in their 40s, 50s and beyond.
*Note: Silicone gel implants are only FDA-approved for use in women over the age of 22. Patients younger than 22 may still be candidates for breast implants if fat transfer or saline implants are used instead.
Before or After Children
Pregnancy and breastfeeding are also considerations for planning when to have breast implants. If you are considering pregnancy in the near future, it is best to wait until after the baby is born and you have finished breastfeeding before having augmentation surgery. This is because pregnancy and breastfeeding can cause changes to your breasts that could potentially affect how the implants will look.
However, if you are not planning on having children for several years, you may wish to have breast implants beforehand and enjoy the benefits the implants bring, and most women can safely and successfully breastfeed even with implants. Later, after you are finished having children, you may need to have revision surgery to restore the shape and size of your breasts.
Breast Reconstruction
Many women elect for breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. There are several techniques that can be used to restore your breasts, such as implants, tissue from other parts of your body, or both. Breast reconstruction can be done immediately following the mastectomy or delayed for several months or even years, depending on what is right for your unique situation.