More women than ever are opting to enhance their figures through breast augmentation. However, there are still some questions and concerns that many people have, especially regarding the woman’s age. What is the right age to get a breast augmentation?

The simple answer is that there is no certain age that is right or wrong. The choice to receive breast augmentation should be a well-informed, well-thought-out decision. Here are some facts to help you decide if breast augmentation is right for you.

The Breast Augmentation Procedure

Breast augmentation involves placing silicone or saline-filled implants under the natural breast, with the patient under anesthesia. Prior to surgery, Dr. Troy Pittman will discuss the type of anesthesia that will work best for you.

To minimize any visual scarring after the surgery, he will strategically make incisions either in the fold under the breast (inframammary incision) or in the armpit (axillary incision). The kind of incision will depend on the type and size of the implants, and the joint decision you and Dr. Pittman have made prior to the procedure.

The implants are then placed under the pectoral muscle or under the breast tissue on top of the pectoral muscle. Once the implants are in place, the incisions are closed with layered sutures. The skin will be closed with medical adhesive, more sutures, or surgical tape. Recovery time varies, with full recovery occurring between four and six weeks following the procedure.

Reasons for Considering Augmentation

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that a woman should be at least 18 years old to receive saline implants and recommends that she be at least 22 years old to receive silicone implants. While this is not a law, it is a medically-sound practice since a woman’s breasts will continue to develop until she is in her late teens or early 20s. The most popular ages for women receiving breast implants are between 25 and 55 years old.

Opting for breast augmentation has less to do with your age than it does with the reason for the augmentation. Many women find that the appearance of their breasts has severely impacted their self-esteem and self-confidence. Honestly ask yourself why you are seeking augmentation.

Good reasons to choose breast augmentation include:

• Micromastia (breasts that do not fully develop after puberty)
• Weight loss that results in sagging breasts
• Asymmetrical breasts
• Breasts that change shape after pregnancy
• Mastectomy
• To feel more confident and increase self-esteem

A person should not consider getting implants as a way to fix a relationship that is souring or because someone else wants them to have it. Social pressure should not be a factor.

Consult with Dr. Troy Pittman About When to Get an Augmentation

Breast augmentation is an extremely personal choice and requires thorough pre-operative planning. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Pittman if you are considering the surgery. During the consultation, you should be honest about your reasons for seeking an augmentation. It is essential that you have realistic expectations if you choose to pursue this procedure. Physical maturity is an important prerequisite in this process. Mental maturity is even more important.

There is no hard age line about when you can or cannot get a breast augmentation, once you have fully developed physically. Dr. Pittman can provide guidance on what is in your best interest.