The journey of breast augmentation surgery is a very personal one – everyone’s ‘why’ is different.

There is not an absolute ‘best time’ to have a breast augmentation, but there are several timing considerations that we’ll walk you through in this blog post.

Please keep in mind that these are broad recommendations. If you’re considering a breast augmentation and schedule a consultation, we’ll sit down and have a more in-depth conversation. Together, we’ll make the decision on the best time for your breast augmentation taking into consideration your unique anatomy, lifestyle, and goals.

How Old Is Too Young or Too Old for a Breast Augmentation?

Age and major body changes (weight loss/pregnancy/breastfeeding) are important parameters when it comes to breast augmentation. We would not broadly say someone is ‘too old’ or ‘too young’ because each person is different. Factors including weight fluctuation, age-associated breast changes, lifestyle factors like smoking and sun damage, and genetics all come into play.

Here, we’re going to discuss the different ages and stages at which you might have breast augmentation.

Cosmetic breast surgery should only be considered in patients 18 and older with fully developed breasts. Keep in mind that the FDA has only approved silicone implants for cosmetic procedures in patients 22 and older, so placing them in a younger patient would be considered “off-label” use.

In 2022, 30 was the median age for having children. Obviously, the benefit of having a breast augmentation prior to having children is that you’re able to enjoy excellent aesthetic results sooner. However, just as your body is likely to change after giving birth, your breast size and shape may change as well. Many people who have a breast lift/augmentation prior to having children will also elect to have a second surgery to resize or reposition their implants when they’re done having children and after they’ve concluded breastfeeding.

As women enter their 30s, collagen production has slowed down, which – in addition to childbearing and weight fluctuations – can contribute to sagging and volume loss. It’s at this time that many patients begin to consider a breast lift with augmentation, especially if they’re done expanding their family and are at a stable weight.

In their 40s and 50s and beyond we see fewer women coming in for first-time breast augmentation, although there are some exceptions! Being in good health and living an active lifestyle are more important considerations than age when it comes to evaluating a patient for plastic surgery. Oftentimes in this age range, we see women who had a breast augmentation when they were younger, but now the size/positioning of their implants no longer suits their body, their lifestyle, or their wishes. Depending on your goals, history of prior surgery, and your anatomy, a customized plan can be put together for you.

 

Post-Augmentation Recovery and Timing

Late winter and spring are ideal times for breast augmentation in terms of achieving full healing and recovery by the time warm temperatures hit and people spend more time outdoors.

Following our initial consultation, we’ll find a time on my surgery schedule. You’ll want to account for recovery and downtime, which varies by procedure. Patients who allow themselves ample time to heal early on experience the very best healing.

In general, we advise patients to take roughly a week away from work and major life responsibilities to relax and recuperate. You should be able to shower and take care of your basic daily needs without any assistance within 48 hours, but you should avoid any strenuous activities such as heavy lifting, bouncing, and jumping for four weeks. You also won’t be able to get in a body of water such as a pool or tub during that time.

Although it can take several months for scars to fully mature and everything to completely settle into place, most patients can confidently head to the beach or wear a plunging gown by the time they are a month out from surgery.