How young is too young for a breast lift? Ask the Expert

How young is too young for a Breast Lift?

It is usually recommended that patients should be 18 years old before undergoing cosmetic breast surgery. This is because the breasts may still be developing and, if surgery is too early, this development may continue, requiring more surgery later. It is also felt that psychological development is also incomplete.

However, there are good reasons why early surgery might be sensible. The breasts may be deformed, unequal in size and or very large, all causing psychological harm, which could be averted by surgery. The common deformity is tubular or conical breasts. On these occasions, the surgeon is likely to ask for confirmation from the parent, GP, and psychologist.

Although older teens can undergo Breast Lift surgery also known as a Mastopexy, they also have to be mature enough to meet a list of other criteria to be deemed a suitable candidate for surgery. These include having logical and reasonable expectations for the results of the surgery.

How do you know if you need a Breast Lift?

If the position of your breasts is causing you to suffer from low self-esteem or a lack of confidence, then perhaps you should consider a Breast Lift. Book an appointment with one of our expert surgeons here at the Cadogan Clinic to discuss your body goals and the options available to you.

Is there a minimum age for having a Breast Lift?

Breasts develop at a different rate from woman to woman. One woman may have fully developed breasts at 16 while another woman in her 20s may still be experiencing changes. Both are normal. However it is considered that at 18 the breasts have stabilised enough for a Breast Lift if the woman meets other criteria required for this type of surgery, such as being in good overall mental health. A patient must be old enough and mature enough to have reasonable expectations for the results of the surgery.

It should be noted that getting pregnant after having Breast Lift surgery will cause the breasts to stretch, meaning further surgery may be required later on. This is why it may pay to wait until you have completed your family before proceeding with breast lift surgery.

Candidates for Breast Lift surgery should also be at a stable weight, as the shape and volume of the breasts will change with significant weight gain or weight loss, including in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

What age should you get a breast lift?

As long as the patient is over 18, they can have the procedure if they meet the relevant criteria. However most women wait until after their final pregnancy before getting a breast lift because the combination of pregnancy and breastfeeding can affect the size and shape of the breasts.

Because of the dramatic effect that breastfeeding can have on the size, shape and appearance of a woman’s breasts, it is advisable to wait a few months after finishing breastfeeding to allow the breasts to regain their shape before undergoing Breast Lift surgery.

It is worth noting that although most women are able to breastfeed following Breast Lift surgery, this may not be the case for everyone, particularly if the operation involves changing the position of the nipples. Our expert surgeons here at the Cadogan Clinic will create a surgical plan to address your concerns and talk through the options with you.

Is a Breast Lift worth it?

A Breast Lift can have an overwhelmingly positive impact on a woman’s mental health and physical appearance. Once a lift is performed, the breasts will have a better shape, looking fuller and perkier. This will lead to a boost in self-confidence and an improved body image.

Of course the breasts will continue to age with the rest of the body, but as it takes time for the breasts to sag again, most patients find that one Breast Lift surgery is all they need.

However some women may find they require some more surgery further down the line. This will completely depend on the age, health, skin tone, breast weight, body weight and lifestyle of the woman concerned. Any subsequent pregnancies will also have an affect.

Treatments mentioned in this article

Breast Surgery

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

A breast lift helps to lift sagging or low-hanging breasts for a more youthful appearance.

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