Age Guide to Breast Procedures
What is the correct age to have breast surgery? This can be entirely dependent on an individual basis and the type of procedure you want to get. It is important to understand the appropriate age to have breast surgery, so it can be enacted safely and provide the best results.
In this article we will discuss:
- Breast Implants and Augmentation Procedures
- Breast Reshaping Procedures
- Nipple and Areola Procedures
- Male Breast Surgery
Breast Implants and Augmentation Procedures
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get Breast Implants?
In the UK, the majority of all surgeons will require you to be 18 years old to get breast implants. Waiting until the age of 18 means your breasts should be fully developed. However, it is important to bear in mind that your breasts can continue to grow into your early 20s, which can change your desired outcome.
Your body will continue to change throughout your life. From pregnancy to growing older, there are many reasons why you might want to get breast implants. Our consultants will be able to discuss the right options for you to achieve your ideal goals. Feel confident at any age with breast implant surgery.
How Old Do You Have to be to Get Breast Augmentation Surgery?
Breast augmentation surgery is a popular cosmetic procedure in the UK. The minimum age for this surgery is 18 years old and usually, there is no maximum age limit. It’s best to wait until your breasts stop growing before getting an augmentation, since changes could affect the final results.
As a younger woman, you may be looking to increase your breast size, to boost your confidence or self-image. Women who have had children may consider having a breast augmentation to restore the shape and size of their breasts, which can change after pregnancy.
You can get an augmentation after 50 as long as you are in good health. Though healing might take longer, your consultant can discuss the recovery process with you.
How Old Do You Have to Be for Breast Auto Augmentation Surgery?
Typically you would be over 18 to have a breast auto augmentation. This procedure is mainly performed on patients who are having their breast implants removed but can be done on patients without implants.
This procedure reshapes the patient’s existing breast tissue to enhance the breasts. It’s fitting for women who are opting for a more natural look, or are wanting to maintain some shape after removing their implants.
If you are planning to have children, it is important to know this surgery could affect your ability to breastfeed. Many women choose to wait until after having a family to undergo the operation. Our consultants can help you decide the right timing based on your personal situation.
How Old Do You Have to Be for a Breast Implant Exchange?
A breast implant exchange is carried out on patients who already have breast implants, which requires you to be over 18. Breast implant replacement surgery removes the current implants and replaces them with new ones. To have this surgery you will likely have had your implants for several years.
It’s generally recommended to replace breast implants every 10-15 years to lower the risk of complications such as deflation or ruptures. You may also consider a breast implant exchange if you want to change the size of your implants, either to increase or decrease them.
How Old Do You Have to Be for Fat Transfer?
A fat transfer breast augmentation can be done on patients who are 18 and older after the breasts have reached full development. This procedure involves removing excess body fat from one area, processing the cells and re-injecting them into your breasts to create more volume.
You may prefer this process if you want larger breasts but don’t want implants.
A consultation with our surgeon can help determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
Breast Reshaping Procedures
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Breast Reduction?
A breast reduction can be a transformative procedure for women with large breasts causing discomfort, such as back or neck pain. It is recommended to wait until the age of 18 before considering the surgery. In some cases, younger patients may qualify if they are experiencing physical pain or limitations. However, this will require a medical consultation with a doctor or surgeon.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get a Breast Lift?
A breast lift is generally performed on patients who are in their 20s or over, depending on individual circumstances. It is important to wait until your breasts are fully developed to achieve the best results. Breast lifts are ideal for women who have experienced changes due to weight loss, pregnancy or ageing.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Address Breast Asymmetry?
During puberty, if your breasts are growing at an unequal size then there is usually no reason to see a doctor. After puberty, if they are still unequal, you may want to get advice from your GP.
Breast asymmetric surgery aims to amend the size difference and shape of your breasts, to create a more balanced look. Keep in mind that breast asymmetry is common but if you’re feeling self-conscious about your breasts, surgery can help increase your confidence and self-esteem. If you’re considering breast asymmetry surgery, the minimum age is 18 years old. However, we recommend you to be 21 or over, when your breasts have reached their full size.
How Old Do You Have to Be for Tubular Breast Surgery?
Tubular breast surgery can be done to correct and reconstruct tubular breasts. Tubular breasts are a condition where breast tissue does not grow properly and can grow to be irregularly shaped. They are harmless but may not have a round shape, which can make you feel unhappy with how they look on your body.
Through surgery, you can improve the shape and add volume to your breasts. To ensure that the breasts have stopped growing, the minimum age to have tubular surgery is 18 and there is no upper age limit.
Nipple and Areola Procedures
How Old Do You Have to be to Get an Areola Lift?
You usually need to be at least 18 for an areola lift, though in rare medical cases, it can be done earlier. Pregnancy and breastfeeding can stretch the skin around your breasts, causing sagging and changes in nipple size. If you feel like your areolas have gotten too large or look uneven, you might want to improve their shape through this surgery.
Doctors typically recommend waiting at least 3 months after you stop breastfeeding to let your nipples regain their shape before surgery. This waiting period can lead to the best possible results and a smoother recovery. If you’re planning to have more children, you might want to wait, as future pregnancies can affect the outcome.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Get Areola Reduction?
An areola reduction is usually done for cosmetic reasons and can be combined with other breast surgeries. It’s a simple procedure that reduces the size of the areola (the darker area around the nipple).
Areolas can get larger and darker during puberty, with age or due to genetics. This surgery is suitable for patients who are looking to make your areolas smaller or more proportionate with your breasts.
In the UK, you need to be at least 18 for this surgery. To get the best look, your breasts should be fully formed, and you should wait until after you have finished breastfeeding.
How Old Do You Have to be for Inverted Nipple Surgery?
Inverted nipples are nipples that point inwards and lay flat rather than outwards. Most people are born with them. However, if they start to form later in life it could be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
Flat nipples can make it difficult to breastfeed but also can be an insecurity for some women. Inverted nipple surgery is not a complicated procedure, but most surgeons in the UK will not perform the surgery unless you are 18 or over. This is because it is essential to allow time for the breasts to fully grow so any results of surgery are not altered.
Male Breast Surgery
How Old Do You Have to be to Get Gynaecomastia Surgery?
It’s best to wait until after puberty when the patient is at least 18, before having this operation. Gynaecomastia is a condition that affects men, causing enlarged breasts. This can occur due to a significant weight loss or be due to genetics. Gynaecomastia surgery aims to reduce the breast size and remove painful tissues.
Surgery is usually suggested if medications have not been effective. This procedure can be life-changing for men with gynecomastia, helping them feel more comfortable in their bodies and improving their confidence.
Breast Care for Every Age at Suffolk Breast Practice
Whatever stage of life you are in, if you are considering breast surgery, take a look at the procedures we offer at Suffolk Breast Practice.
Dr Hussein Tuffaha is our lead surgeon, who has been recognised with the following honours:
- UK Cosmetic Surgery Register
- iWantGreatCare Certificate (2022/2023)
- Royal College of Surgeons of England
- Association of Breast Surgery
- TopDoctors
Don’t hesitate to contact us for more information or to book a consultation. Our expert team is dedicated to ensuring you receive the best possible treatment at every age.
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