A South Florida breast augmentation can transform your sense of self-esteem, no matter what age you are. When a skilled surgeon is behind the procedure, the results are always exceptional, and so it’s not surprising women ask themselves what age is appropriate to consider an augmentation. The Plastic Surgery Specialists of South Florida in Hollywood, FL perform this procedure regularly. There’s really no one “right” age, but we can help you understand the best age for your personal situation.
Must one be a certain age to get breast implants? Essentially, the answer is no, although patients must be at least 18 years old before this type of surgery can be considered. Breast implants and/or a breast lift can improve the appearance of patients as old as 60 and even more! As long as a person is in good health, they can undergo a procedure and recover successfully at any age.
In most cases, patients seeking Breast Augmentations are in their 20’s, 30’s, or 40’s, but this procedure can be performed at any age. An elective surgical procedure of this kind requires the patient to be in good overall health and to be physically and emotionally mature. If those criteria are met, in most cases there are no other barriers.
However, there are a few things we’ll consider:
Prior to surgery, it is important to consider a person’s psychological well-being, as well as his or her physical health. If a reputable doctor is performing South Florida Breast Augmentation, he or she will make sure that the patient is not doing it for the wrong reasons. You should be getting an augmentation for yourself, not for anyone else. And you should have a realistic understanding of what to expect and what a change to your body image can, and cannot, do for you. The last issue is especially important when it comes to younger patients wanting to make a permanent change to their bodies.
We cannot perform breast surgery on individuals younger than 18 because a person needs to be fully developed physically to undergo this procedure. By the time a person reaches age 16, puberty is usually complete, but breasts can continue to change even after this. Women should reach full physical maturity by the time they reach age 18.
In addition, saline implants are only FDA-approved for those 18 and older, and silicone implants are only approved for those 22 and older. Those who want silicone implants (which are just as safe as saline) must wait a few years longer if they have not yet reached the minimum age determined by the FDA.
A person’s health status is the most important factor when determining whether they are a candidate for breast augmentation. It’s possible that older patients have additional health concerns to consider, but there is otherwise no reason why a healthy person over the age of 65 can’t get breast surgery.
We do a more thorough health screening and medication audit on older patients to ensure their surgery will be safe. Similarly, it is reasonable to expect an older person’s recovery to take somewhat longer than that of a younger person, even if this isn’t always true in each individual case.
The most important factor for determining whether a person is a good candidate for South Florida Breast Augmentation is their overall health, not their age. Potential candidates are required to divulge to the doctor all information about their health status, medical history, and any medications they may be taking during the first consultation.
In addition, patients who wish to undergo surgery should give up smoking prior to the operation. As a general rule, smokers are less likely to have successful surgeries of any kind and they are also more likely to suffer adverse outcomes after surgery.
Rarely, during the consultation process, it may be determined that a patient is not ready to undergo surgery. This could be due to age or maturity, but it could be due to unresolved health issues that may hinder a successful outcome. In the unlikely case that this is true of you, you will be given advice on how to prepare for a future South Florida Breast Augmentation so you can understand the right time to try again.
It is important that you cease taking any medication that thins the blood before surgery. This will prevent the drugs from causing any problems during the surgery. Also, to begin with, it would be wise to stop drinking alcohol for the time being and wait to resume until cleared by your doctor. As already mentioned, you will need to stop smoking for several weeks before and after your procedure.
Regardless of your age, ensuring that you have plenty of water, enough food, and plenty of rest in the days leading up to surgery is one of the most vital things you can do to ensure a speedy recovery with no complications.
Incisions might be made under the arm, under the breast, or around the areola depending on your surgeon’s decision during your consultation. A silicone shell is inserted, then a solution of saline is slowly added to achieve the desired size if saline implants are used. In the case of silicone implants, the silicone gel filling is already present and the implants are inserted as they are.
If you are recovering from surgery, it is highly recommended that you arrange reliable transportation and have someone stay with you for the first few days. As you emerge from your procedure, you will be groggy and likely need some help. We can help you find a private nurse if you do not have friends or family members who can help.
It is important to take care of yourself once you are home. It is true that younger patients tend to heal more quickly from surgery, but regardless of your age, you should rest as much as possible in the days following your surgery. It is recommended that you sleep in an elevated position for a few days, and, after surgery, you should avoid heavy lifting and expending too much energy. If your job is more physical, you may have to take more time off than if you have a desk job.
When a patient takes proper self-care steps, gets plenty of rest, stays hydrated, and closely follows their doctor’s instructions for breast recovery, they are much more likely to recover quickly. We will monitor your progress closely during your follow-up appointments to make sure everything is going well and there are no complications.
Even though you should start to feel like your old self in a couple of weeks after surgery, be prepared for the fact that it may take a few months for your breasts to fully heal and settle into their final position. Those who have undergone multiple procedures may also require some extra time for recovery. By the end of the 3- to 4-month healing period, you can expect your breasts to be 100% healed.
Younger patients may have different expectations and goals than more mature ones, but in the end, breast surgery helps to balance the figure and to boost a woman’s confidence. A woman who is physically and emotionally capable of making a decision that will have a lasting effect on her body may be a candidate for this procedure.
Based on your health needs and general state of health, we can help you determine if this is the right surgery for you. There are some women who want to have surgery, but realize it’s best to wait until they are finished having children or can take more time off work. Whatever your decision, remember there is no right or wrong time for a woman to have breast surgery, as long as she is in good health and not pregnant or nursing.
If you’re considering an augmentation procedure to enhance your breasts and figure, but aren’t sure if the timing is right, come and talk to us. It’s never the wrong time to get a professional consultation and talk with someone who has helped many women on this path. Visit us at The Plastic Surgery Specialists of South Florida in Hollywood, FL today and set up your consultation. We’d love to help you make the best decision for your goals and needs!
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