If you’re over 50, you may notice that your breasts have started to sag. This is because aging, changes in weight, and pregnancy can make the breasts look different at 50 than they did at 30.
Many older women consider Beverly Hills breast augmentation to give them a younger-looking profile. Also, more women are waiting until they’re older to have children. So women who had children in their 40s may wait until 50 or beyond to have breast implants.
There isn’t a maximum age for breast augmentation or a Beverly Hills breast lift; you can have breast implants at almost any age. A retrospective study of 993 breast reconstruction patients published in PubMed concluded that advanced age should not be considered an independent risk factor for implant-based breast procedures. Patient and surgeon aesthetic surveys showed an overall positive opinion across all age groups, with BMI a stronger predictor of complications than age alone.
There are some things you should consider before having breast augmentation.
Please continue reading to learn more.
Contents
Breast implant overview
Breast augmentation is when your plastic surgeon inserts breast implants into the breast tissue to make the breasts look larger. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) confirms that breast augmentation consistently ranks as one of the most performed cosmetic surgical procedures in the United States. A wide range of implant options is available to suit each patient’s anatomy, goals, and lifestyle.
There are several types of implants, and your surgeon will review them with you:
- Saline: These breast implants have a soft shell that is inserted empty into the breast. Then, your surgeon fills them with saline solution to the desired size. This type offers a smaller incision because the implants aren’t filled until they’re in the chest.
- Structured saline: This implant features more layers and an internal support structure, so they feel more natural.
- Silicone: These are filled with silicone gel that usually feels more like natural breast tissue.
- Gummy bear: These implants are alsomade of silicone, but the gel is solid, so it won’t leak if there’s a rupture.
There are several factors involved in the decision between silicone and saline implants. Many surgeons use silicone implants the most because they feel more natural than saline, but some patients are still concerned about health problems if the silicone leaks into the body.
Breast Augmentation benefits after 50
Your breasts change over the years, from pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight changes, and the effects of gravity.
A long-term outcomes study of 1,529 women with 3,495 implants followed over 25 years, published in PubMed found that overall complication rates remained manageable across the entire follow-up period. The study identified that most complications can be minimized with careful preoperative planning, appropriate implant selection, and precise surgical technique.
Age is a factor we discuss, but it’s rarely a disqualifying one. The patients I see at 50 and beyond who are in good health, at a stable weight, and non-smokers typically do very well. What matters most is a thorough preoperative evaluation and a clear, honest conversation about what to expect from recovery.
– Dr. Lahar
Having breast implants after 50 can have a dramatic effect on how you look. The breast implants will make your chest look fuller and larger, and you could need a bra up to two sizes larger.
You may also need a breast lift with your implants because having only implants will make your breasts sag more. A breast lift puts your breasts higher on your chest and will eliminate most sagging.
More reasons to consider Breast Augmentation after 50
Some of the other benefits of this procedure after 50 are:
No worries about pregnancy
If you have breast implants after 50, you don’t need to worry about pregnancy affecting your new figure.
The aging process will change the appearance of your breasts after 50, but it won’t undo the effects of your procedure.
Of course, you don’t have to wait until after you have children to have breast augmentation. But there is a risk that breastfeeding will be more complex, and you may need revision surgery to correct any pregnancy effects on the implants.
More time for recovery
If you’re done working full-time and no longer have small children, it may be easier for you to recover from breast augmentation, a Beverly Hills tummy tuck, Beverly Hills liposuction, and other procedures.
It’s critical to take it easy during your recovery and not overdo it, especially when you’re older.
Some older patients even say they enjoy kicking back on the couch for a few days after breast augmentation and watching Netflix.
Can enhance other areas of your life
Having breast augmentation can boost your self-confidence as you move into middle age. And loving the way you look can make you feel better in work and social situations, and it doesn’t hurt in the bedroom, either!
Breast Augmentation risks after 50
Breast augmentation is usually safe when performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon. But any surgery has risks.
The first to consider is anesthesia complications, so if you have anesthesia allergies, tell your surgeon immediately.
Next, you should think about who will help you after the procedure. Many plastic surgeons send the patient home the same day. You’ll be recovering from anesthesia, so you will need a ride home.
It is also recommended to have someone stay with you for one or two days; you will have mild to moderate pain and need to rest.
Some of the most common complications from breast augmentation are:
- Changes in breast or nipple sensation
- Scar tissue around the implant contracts, necessitating additional surgery
- Implant rupture or leaking
- Improper implant position
- Consistent pain
- Significant scarring
Remember that having breast implants doesn’t alter your risk for breast cancer. So you should continue mammograms to check for cancer every year or two.
You can still have mammograms with breast implants, and they still will find tumors. However, you should talk about your breast implants with your physician so they can adjust their mammogram procedure for the best results.
According to the ASPS, patients with breast implants should continue routine breast cancer screening. They should inform their mammography technician about their implants so additional imaging views can be taken when necessary.
Also, remember that all breast implants have a shelf life. So your implants may need to be replaced in your 60s or 70s. This can become a more complicated procedure as you get older.
Request a Breast Augmentation consultation
Thinking about breast augmentation in Beverly Hills? Dr. Nicholas Lahar is pleased to provide plastic surgery procedures to his Beverly Hills patients. He will talk about your goals during your consultation and decide if breast augmentation is a good fit.
References
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Breast Augmentation.
- Cleveland Clinic. What to Know About Breast Implants After 40.
- Yiannakopoulou E, et al. Breast Reconstruction in Elderly Patients: Risk Factors, Clinical Outcomes, and Aesthetic Results. PubMed. 2017.
- Hvilsom GB, et al. A Long-Term Study of Outcomes, Complications, and Patient Satisfaction With Breast Implants. PubMed. 2006.
- Alderman AK, et al. Complications in Breast Augmentation: Prevention and Correction. PubMed. 2001.