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Is There an Age Limit for Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation continues to be one of the top requested plastic surgery procedures performed today, and it’s not only with the 20’s to 40’s crowd either. Typically, patients 18 years and up can undergo this procedure. Many of my patients who are undergoing a breast enlargement for the first time are in their 50’s with some even in their 60’s or 70’s. And, there are some even in their 80’s who want their old implants replaced with brand, spanking new ones.
So you may be wondering whether there is a minimum or maximum age limit for a patient who is considering a primary breast augmentation (first time to have the procedure)?
Although there are no true limits in age regarding undergoing this procedure, for many reasons and with very rare exceptions, I recommend that patients be at least 18 years of age and in relatively good health. There is no fixed upper age limit, however.
While saline breast implants can be used in women 18 and older, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has issued guidelines that state that a woman should be at least 22 years of age before becoming eligible to use silicone implants. Any deviation to the above is considered “off-label” usage. This is essentially a political restriction rather than one directly related to untoward medical issues occurring in women under 22 years old. In my opinion, the silicone breast implants give the best results irrespective of age and, therefore, that is what I recommend and ultimately implant in virtually all of my patients.
Women who are relatively healthy, not at a heightened risk for surgical complications and who have realistic expectations can often be considered good candidates, regardless of their age. Ultimately, a full medical evaluation along with a comprehensive assessment of your aesthetic needs and goals can be conducted during a consultation with a skilled and experienced plastic surgeon to determine whether or not breast augmentation can be performed both safely and effectively.
– Steven H. Turkeltaub, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
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If you have any other questions regarding candidacy for breast augmentation, or if you are interested in scheduling a consultation with Dr. Turkeltaub, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.