Breast Surgery at Different Stages in Life

Published by Dr. Jay Lucas, MD, a board-certified surgeon with over 20 years of experience.

Ready for a hot take? There’s no such thing as “one size fits all.”

Of course, this begs some explanation…

Here at The Lucas Center, we believe that every patient who walks through our doors has a unique body, unique health needs, unique goals, and a unique level of self-confidence. So, while we have one ultimate goal for every patient (to create true, lasting confidence!), we also know everyone deserves personalized care to match who they uniquely are. 

That’s why to us, there’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach to breast surgery — or any of the procedures we provide. Understanding the nuances requires a deep dive into individual anatomy and aspirations. A skilled plastic surgery professional will guide you through the available options, ensuring you have all the necessary information.

In fact, aging, gravity, lifestyle, body goals, and more can influence the best approach for you. To truly understand all the factors and find the best breast surgery option, you’ll want to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon you trust.

In the meantime, here’s a look at important considerations, benefits, and challenges for breast surgery across different age groups: 

What to Consider About Breast Surgery at Different Ages

In general, the age at which you have breast surgery may affect factors like your skin quality and recovery expectations. But here are some potential benefits and challenges specific to different age groups: 

Breast Surgery in Your 20s, 30s, or 40s

Benefits

• More years to enjoy your results! 
• Recovery from any surgery tends to be easier when you’re younger. 
• Skin quality tends to be higher, so scarring may be more minimal.
• Over 40: For many people, the time for pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding is in the past, so those factors are unlikely to affect surgical results.

Challenges

• Under 40: Future pregnancy, childbirth, or breastfeeding could still affect surgical results.
• While implants can last a few decades, most are only warrantied by the manufacturer for 10 years. 
• Since normal aging will still occur after surgery, you may want another breast procedure in your lifetime. 

Breast Surgery in Your 50s, 60s, and Beyond

Benefits

• Around these ages, results may be even more transformative!
• You are not likely to need another breast surgery in the future. 
• You may have more time to devote to recovery. 

Challenges

• Skin quality tends to be lower, so scars may not fade as easily. (Luckily, a great surgeon like Dr. Lucas strategically places incisions for the most subtlety.) 
• Recovery from any surgery may be longer and more difficult as you age.
  

Age Group	Potential Benefits	Potential Challenges
20s, 30s, 40s	•Longer enjoyment of resultsEasier recovery •Potentially less noticeable scarring •Reduced impact from future pregnancy/breastfeeding (over 40)	•Potential impact from future pregnancy/breastfeeding (under 40) •Implant lifespan considerations •Possibility of needing future procedures due to aging
50s, 60s, & Beyond	•Potentially more transformative results •Lower likelihood of needing future procedures •More time available for recovery	•Skin quality may affect scarring •Potentially longer or more difficult recovery

Tips for Preparing for Surgery at Any Age

No matter where you are in life, here are some important tips to get ready for breast surgery: 

• Maintain a relatively stable weight before and after surgery, since significant weight changes can affect surgical results. 
• Talk to your primary care provider and/or surgeon about your health, including current medications, to determine if surgery is safe for you right now. Discussing any existing pain or potential for post-operative pain is also important.
• Nourish yourself with nutrient-dense foods and plenty of water to support post-surgery healing. Proper nutrition aids in tissue repair and can minimize inflammation.
• Make a plan to take sufficient time off for rest and recovery — and enlist a trusted friend or family member to help as needed. Understanding the recovery process, including potential discomfort and the need for rest, is key to a successful outcome.

Thoughtful planning at any age will help give you the best chance for a great recovery and the beautiful results you envision. This includes thorough research into the specific type of plastic surgery you are considering, such as a breast lift. Your doctor will provide detailed information on what to expect, including managing any potential pain or discomfort.

Researching the specific plastic surgery procedure you desire, such as a breast lift or breast augmentation, is crucial. Consult a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss options like silicone versus saline implants and better understand factors like surgical techniques, recovery, implant longevity, and potential pain or swelling.

For those considering breast augmentation or a similar breast surgery, understanding the role of medical imaging like our VECTRA 3D Imaging system can also be incredibly beneficial. This technology allows patients to visualize potential outcomes and evaluate them with a plastic surgery expert during a personalized consultation. This imaging can help set realistic expectations for breast surgeries, ensuring the patient and surgeon are always aligned on goals and desired results, no matter the procedure type.

Care Personalized to Your Unique Needs

Confidence has no age limit, and every journey is personal. Whether you’re still exploring your options, deciding when to proceed, or you’re ready to start the process, we’d love to help.