Best Age For Breast Reduction
There are many reasons why a woman might make the decision to undergo breast reduction surgery. Candidates from all age ranges, with varied lifestyles are looking to find out more about the procedure. However, there has been a rise in the younger age group who may have come to the conclusion that bigger is not always better. Young women are looking for more natural proportions in their bodies, as well as improved comfort and ease of movement. This doesn’t mean that these women represent the best age for breast reduction, but it is a group that is showing more interest in the procedure of late. It’s important to understand that although breast size has stabilised by around the age of 18, it is by no means set in stone. Hormones, weight gain or loss, and age can influence changes in breast size. For this reason, trying to identify the best age for breast reduction can be tricky.
How popular is breast reduction surgery?
As mentioned, the younger age group is showing more interest in this type of surgery, but overall popularity has dwindled slightly over the last couple of years (possibly due to lockdowns). There are still around 2500 women who go ahead with breast reductions each year however, and one of the more popular age brackets is women between the ages of 50 and 60 years old. This can largely be attributed to changes as we age and effects of the menopause.
The reasons women choose a breast reduction are many and varied. For some, it’s simply for aesthetic purposes, for others it may be a medical necessity. Women with larger breasts, that may be out of proportion to the rest of their bodies, can suffer from chronic back, neck and shoulder pain. This is often enough to warrant a trip to the surgeon to find out more about the procedure. Perhaps, following breast feeding or dramatic weight loss, the breasts have lost their fullness and shape. Sagging and drooping breasts can be much improved upon with breast reduction procedures. Or maybe clothes are ill-fitting due to particularly large breasts. This can cause a crisis of confidence for women of all ages, and is often the reason they go ahead with breast reductions. So, there isn’t really a best age for breast reduction, it’s more a case of it being the right time in your life.
Who is eligible?
Provided you are in good physical health and you are realistic about the potential results, then you are a good candidate for breast reduction surgery. It is preferred that patients do not smoke. But, if they are smokers, they will be advised to cease smoking before the procedure and not to start again until after the recovery period has passed. Surgeons prefer clients to be over the age of 18 years, as the body is more likely to be fully formed by this age.
Then, there are the different milestones in a woman’s life to consider. Pregnancy, beast-feeding and the menopause alone can have a huge impact on a woman’s body shape. The best thing to do, if you are unsure as to whether you are at the best age for breast reduction, is to speak to one of our specialists here at Enhance Medical Group.
Popular age brackets for breast reduction
18-30 years
It might surprise you that one of the most popular age groups to opt for breast reductions these days are those between the ages of 18 and 30 years. By this stage the overall body shape and development is largely complete and, providing your weight remains relatively static, then this is a good age to go ahead. The younger body should heal well, resulting in a positive outcome.
Post pregnancy / breastfeeding
A particularly popular reason for choosing breast reduction is to enable women to regain their pre-pregnancy breast size and shape. During pregnancy the breasts grow and begin to produce milk. They can become much larger, and following birth, they continue to grow as they fill with milk. When breastfeeding ceases it is common for women to be left with deflated breasts that may sag, droop and lack the pre-pregnancy volume. For this reason, many women choose to undergo a breast reduction procedure with a breast lift. This helps to restore the breasts and help regain lift and volume that has been diminished due to breastfeeding. It is often recommended that women wait until they have finished having children, in order to get the best results from this procedure.
Mature women
Typically, women over the age of 40 years tend to experience some loss of volume in their breasts. They may also have accumulated additional weight in this area, which can lead to discomfort. To help regain proportion and minimise pain and discomfort in this area, many women choose the breast reduction procedure.
What is involved in breast reduction surgery?
Excess skin, breast tissue and fat are removed during a breast reduction. The nipple and areola are often lifted to a higher position on the breast, and the areola may be reduced in size to suit the size of the smaller breasts. In some cases, where excess fat is also an issue, liposuction may be combined with the surgery.
It’s vital that recovery time is factored into any plans you might have for a breast reduction procedure. Plan to take a week or two off work, and expect to need help at home during the first week or so too. You should avoid lifting heavy objects for several weeks, and you can expect some pulling and stretching in the area as you heal.
If you have more questions about the best age for breast reduction, get in touch with our specialists here at Enhance Medical. As reputable surgeons, we pride ourselves on our reputation and successful procedures, so we won’t advise you to go ahead if we don’t think you are a suitable candidate.
Ultimately, it’s your choice whether or not to go ahead with this type of procedure. Consider your lifestyle and expectations carefully before making a final decision. Breast reduction surgery is a great option for women of all ages, and can help reduce pain, build self confidence and put your breasts in better proportion with the rest of your body.
So whether it’s comfort, style or just a bit of a boost you’re looking for, this could be the answer for you.