Breast augmentation remains one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures in the United States. This procedure improves the appearance of the breasts by making them proportional and adding volume. At the age of 18, women are legally allowed to undergo breast augmentation. However, many clients wonder what the best age for this procedure is. If you are under the age of 25 and considering breast augmentation, read on to learn more about FDA recommendations and more.

What is the best age for breast augmentation?

In short, there is no “best age” for every woman. Each person’s body is different, so it’s difficult to say for certain that a specific age is best for everyone. One woman’s breasts may be fully developed at 18 while another woman may not fully develop until she’s in her early twenties.

However, according to FDA standards, women who are under the age of 22 can only have saline implants. At 22 and older, women may get silicone implants. In any case, we recommend waiting until the breasts are fully developed, whether that’s 19 or 22.

What factors should I consider before choosing surgery?

One of the most important factors to consider before breast augmentation at a young age is pregnancy. Breast implants do not affect a woman’s ability to breastfeed or get pregnant. However, the changes that the body goes through can have an effect on the procedure. Breast augmentation does not protect a woman from stretched-out skin and weight gain. In other words, it’s possible that another surgery will be necessary to fix these issues after you have a baby. It is widely recommended that women wait until after having children to minimize surgeries.

What Makes a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?

Not everyone is a good candidate for breast augmentation, even if they are the appropriate age. When scheduling a consultation, your surgeon should address your age and whether you plan on having children in the future. Additional factors that are usually considered before the procedure include the following.

  • Small breasts that lead to low self-esteem
  • Asymmetrical breasts
  • Drooping or sagging breasts from pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Changes in breast size or shape
  • Reconstruction after surgery
  • Cosmetic improvements after surgery

Please note that any plastic surgeon you see about breast augmentation should discuss these factors with you. Any doctor who overlooks your age and your future pregnancy goals, as well as the factors above, may not have your best interest at heart. Make sure you are speaking to a plastic surgeon who has the education and licensing, as well as the experience performing breast augmentation. Additionally, he or she should be able to communicate clearly and honestly about your goals for the procedure. If you feel as though any preparation is missing or you’re not receiving all the information and support you need, you should find a new surgeon.

Choosing the Right Plastic Surgeon Matters

When you are considering breast augmentation surgery, make sure you learn as much as you can beforehand to put your mind at ease. This online information can be very useful and speaking to your doctor and his or her medical team about your lingering questions is important. You want to be as comfortable as possible with your decision and with your doctor before undergoing this big change.

Dr. Anthony Berlet has been serving plastic surgery patients in the northern New Jersey and New York City areas for over 20 years. Along with this team of experienced medical professionals, he helped hundreds of patients achieve their goals and improve their self-esteem. If you are considering breast augmentation surgery and want to learn more about how to prepare, our team can help! Reach out to us today to learn more.