A lot of women considering breast augmentation are usually past childbearing and menopause stage. It is natural to want to turn back the clock, especially when you start seeing the effects of aging. Some of the age-related changes include the breast tissue beginning to sag and losing lots of volumes. When you face such a situation, you will start asking yourself whether you are too old for breast augmentation.
CONCERNS ABOUT MAMMOGRAMS BY OLDER WOMEN
Women over 40 years tend to shy away from breast implants because they believe that it will interfere with their mammograms. However, according to research, breast augmentation tends to be extremely safe in imaging and mammograms.
Implants are positioned under the muscle, which means that they are in a separate space from your breast gland. You must ensure your mammography technician is aware that you have breast implants. Your technician will, therefore, use special techniques during the imaging process.
There is also the fear of the implants getting raptured or displaced when squeezed by the mammography device. It should not be a concern because intact implants should not get displaced or rapture when compressed in different shapes during a mammogram.
What you must understand is that the implants have what we call a shelf life. During the first ten years, the implants are perfect. However, your doctor will start monitoring them closely once this period elapses. The implants’ outer shell loses strength, and in some instances, they might begin to leak. Since the outer shell holds everything in position, its deterioration will mean that the implant is left vulnerable.
WILL OLDER WOMEN NEED BREAST LIFTS AS WELL?
According to most doctors, women over 40 usually have a more realistic expectation when it comes to breast augmentation. All these women need is to solve their current problem, which is excessive skin and loss of volume.
However, your surgeon must evaluate whether the excess skin will compromise the aesthetics of the implants. When you have a lot of skin that might interfere with the look of the augmentation, you will need a breast lift. However, note that breast lifts leave more noticeable scars when compared to breast augmentation.
WHAT ABOUT THE YOUNGER WOMEN?
Younger women tend to consider breast augmentation for different reasons. For example, those aged 20 to 23 may have small breasts and, therefore, need the procedure to help them attain a fuller and sharp look.
However, did you know that there is a minimum age requirement for breast augmentation? To get silicone implants, you need to be at least 22 years old. Saline implants, on the other hand, require you to be at least 18 years old.
IN CONCLUSION
It is never too late, and you are not too old for a breast augmentation. Schedule your consultation today with Plastic and Reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Luke Cusimano. He is a board-certified plastic surgeon with years of experience in the face, breast, and other related plastic surgery procedures. Do not be left out, schedule an appointment, and get an expert opinion.