Perhaps because breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic surgery procedures, many women wonder what the best age to get breast augmentation is. This obviously applies to younger women, but there are women who are older who may be wondering if they should wait, or if they’ve waited too long. However, is it because younger women are more influenced by pop culture and what they perceive as beauty? Or is it that one day women look in the mirror and decide that today is the day they’re going to enquire about enhancing their breasts? It’s probably a little of both, and it certainly depends on the psychology, social environment, and other factors. However, the question remains: What is the best age to get breast augmentation? The short answer is anywhere between the ages of 18 and 50. The long answer is a bit more complicated, as it is a personal decision and up to the individual considering it.

As women age, their breasts begin to sag, thanks to the wonders of gravity. If the breast augmentation candidate has had children, they probably noticed some sagging after breast feeding their child, perhaps as early as their late 20s or early 30s. Also, as women age, certain health factors come into play. Recovery takes longer and the risks involved in the procedure increase. The procedure may also have a lower success rate if the patient is older than 50. However, if you are physically healthy, do not have any chronic diseases or ongoing health issues, then candidacy for breast augmentation improves.

There has been some controversy as to how mature women must be for breast augmentation. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that young women must be at least 18-years-old for this procedure. Because having fully developed breasts is one of the prerequisites for breast augmentation, it is understandable why cosmetic surgeons and the FDA want women to be at least 18. Also, women who are 18 are getting ready to go off to college.

College is a time where we not only further our education, but begin to really develop our sense of self away from family. Perhaps college is the best time to enhance or change our appearance as well. Still, young women are more heavily influenced by what they see around them, not only by their peers, but by what they read in magazines and see on television. It’s one thing to want to look like your favorite movie star or musician, but it’s another to be mentally prepared to actually change your appearance. Having realistic expectations of how you will look for years to come is one of the important aspects of the decision for breast augmentation. And, once again, the better the health, the better the candidacy.