More and more older women are opting for breast implants where, previously, it was something that was more common for women under 40. Age is only a number and there is nothing stopping older women choosing to have this surgery as long as they are in good health. In fact, a breast augmentation for older women makes sense because they have the financial stability and time to recover.
How old a woman is does not limit them from wanting to have a mature breast enhancement after noticing significant changes to their body. Or you may want a breast augmentation after recovering from breast cancer treatment. Other factors that influence the decision can include a grown up family and being unlikely to have more children. There is no reason you cannot have a breast augmentation as a mature woman but it is important to have realistic expectations about the outcome.
Let us look at the benefits and risks of breast augmentation Sydney as you get older.
Benefits of Breast Enhancement for Aging Women
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, the effects of gravity and your age can all change how your breasts look as you get older. Also, breast surgeries such as a lumpectomy or mastectomy for cancer can affect your body looks at any age.
Undergoing a safe breast augmentation for older women can dramatically change your appearance and have s positive impact on your life. Breast implants will give your chest a larger, fuller appearance.
Your specialist plastic surgeon may also suggest a breast lift (mastopexy) as well because the weight of the implants may make your breasts sag even more. A breast lift raises your breasts so they sit higher on your chest and eliminates most of the sagging.
Risks of Breast Implants for Mature Candidates
As with all surgery, there are risks. It is a matter of weighing them up in consultation with your specialist plastic surgeon.
The first consideration is whether you are allergic to anaesthetic or have any health problems that could prevent you from having an anaesthetic. If so, let your surgeon know straight away.
You also need to consider who will look after you after the operation. It is likely you will not need to stay in hospital overnight so you will need someone to pick you up and stay with you for the first few days of your recovery. There will be mild to moderate pain and you will have trouble moving around at this time and need complete rest.
There are some risks of complications after your breast surgery. Some of the most common risks include:
- Ongoing pain
- Changes to the sensations you feel in your breasts or nipples
- Wrinkles forming in the skin covering the implant
- Obvious scarring around the incision
- Scar tissue forming around the implant that may require further surgery
- Poor placement of the implants
- Brain fog or extreme tiredness
- Leaking or ruptured implants.
It is important to remember, that breast implants do not alter the risk of breast cancer.
Breast Implants and Mammograms
After the age of 40, it is important to have regular mammograms regardless of whether you have implants or not. While, in general, breast implants will not affect the results, let the technician doing the mammogram know you have implants. This will help them to complete the scan taking this information into consideration.
Talk to your specialist plastic surgeon if you have concerns about the implants affecting mammogram results. Your surgeon can place the implants under the chest muscle, further away from the breast gland and this will help with getting accurate results from your mammogram.
What Implant Size is Best?
Before getting breast implants it is wise to consider your lifestyle as an older woman. Are you active? Do regularly exercise and spend time doing physical activities? If this sounds like you, it could be worth considering getting a size that will not put too much strain on your back.
However, you may just be planning to take life easy in your retirement years. If so, then larger breast implants may be suitable. Make sure you discuss this with your specialist plastic surgeon during the consultation.
Get a Complete Physical
Get a complete physical check up to make sure you are healthy and a good candidate for plastic surgery. This is even more important as you get older because there are different risk factors, such as high blood pressure, that can affect having surgery. However, no matter what age-related or chronic conditions you have, you may still be able to have a breast augmentation if they are well managed.
Tailored to get the Best Outcome
Every patient is unique and so are their goals. Your specialist plastic surgeon will tailor breast procedures for elderly patients taking into account lifestyle, personal circumstances, body shape and size, and the outcome you want to achieve.
As an older woman, you have the maturity to know yourself well which can make breast augmentation surgery a good choice for you. Do not let your age stop you from getting the best out of life. Breast augmentation, whether you are 40, 60, 70 or 80, can help you meet your goals as long as you are in good health.
To discover whether breast augmentation is right for you, contact Pure Aesthetics today to book an initial consultation with the highly experienced specialist plastic surgeon, Dr Steve Merten.
