At What Age Do Your Breast Stop Developing?

Growth is finished at an early age but changes continue throughout your life. Weight loss/gain, genetics, pregnancy, and age can all affect your breasts over a lifetime.

Hi, thank you for your question. 
In most women, the breasts will begin developing with the onset of puberty, which occurs at approximately 9 years of age. By age 14, the breasts have reached their mature borders, but they continue to enlarge until the late teenage years and sometimes into the early twenties. Development of breast shape depends on a number of factors, including fat content, volume, muscular & skeletal contour and the skin/connective tissue surrounding it.  The final breast shape and size are dependent on your genes and will change with age as the supporting ligaments that hold the breast in place become lax and most of the actual breast will be replaced by fat. This means that the breasts become more ptotic (droopy). This process may be expedited with the changes that occur during pregnancy, lactation and breastfeeding. 
I hope this answers your question sufficiently. 

This is a greatquestions as often patients are eager to have their breast augmentationperformed, but don’t want to have it done to early.
Women’s breaststypically stop developing by age 16 or 17. I typically will not perform a breast augmentation until patients haveare at least 18 years of age. This waypatients can be fully developed prior to any elective surgery. Occasionally in younger patients that havecongenital deformities of the breast I will perform reconstructive surgery at ayounger age.
I hope thisanswers your question please consult with your board certified plastic surgeon.

The breasts typically stop developing between 18 and 21 years of age.  Of course there are many variables, and each person is different.  If by age 21, your breasts are underdeveloped, it is not particularly likely that the size will increase much more.

Breast development can vary dramatically between different individuals. In general it finished in the late teenage years. However, the breast continue to change throughout your life. After they've finished glandular development they are very dense. Pregnancy and breast feeding can cause significant increases in breast size. This stretches the overlying skin. This can result in breast ptosis or drooping. In the later years the breast tissue is replaced with fatty tissue. 
When considering breast reduction or augmentation its best to wait until the breast have been a stable size for at least a year. 
I hope that's helpful. 

The breasts will stop growing in different ages in different women. Generally, late adolescence is the time but this can vary widely.

In general, most breast development stops at the age of 21. However, the majority of my patients seeking breast augmentation in my practice report that their breasts stopped developing by the age of 21. It is important for women below the age of 21 to get an honest consultation before embarking on a breast augmentation.
Good luck!

In general, breast development starts at puberty till late teen years depending on individual female maturation and background genetic makeups and environmental influence.

However, in certain conditions where there are hormonal fluctuations, such as pregnancy, menopause or weight gain for whatever reasons, breast could "grow" as a result. 

Hope that helps.

Ellis Choy

Good question.Breast development parallels genital hair development. These are called the Tanner Stages of female development in puberty. Usually by ages 17-22, the breasts have finished developing, typically when you have fully developed genital hair. If you are in your teenage years and concerned about breast size, you are always welcome to consult with a plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns. Typically, it would be best to wait 6 months after finishing breast growth before considering plastic surgery.Your breasts will also change throughout your life. Gravity never ends. Weight gain and weight loss can have a dramatic effect on the appearance of the breasts. Pregnancy and breast feeding as well can change the breasts.I hope this helps.- Dr. Bryson Richards (Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon)

The truth is that breasts are continously changing organs.  There are women who were A cups prior to having kids and are now D cups and vs versa.  As for pubety related development, if you haven't increased size by 17-18 then you are unlikely to suddenly develop breasts.  On the other hand if your breasts are still changing then there is no exact time they will stop.  Hope that helps

Answer from Dr. Sean Hill, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon at Lone Star Plastic Surgery – Frisco, TX:
This is a common question, especially from patients exploring breast enhancement or considering surgery.
Breast development usually begins in early adolescence — often between ages 8 and 13 — and most individuals reach full breast maturity between ages 17 and 18. That said, it’s completely normal for the breasts to continue changing subtly into your early 20s, especially with hormonal changes, weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or birth control.
Here are a few things to keep in mind: • Puberty is just the beginning: Breasts continue to evolve even after your period becomes regular. • Your unique genetics and hormones play a big role in your final size, shape, and symmetry. • Life events like pregnancy, breastfeeding, and menopause can further impact breast tissue.
If you’re considering breast augmentation or a lift, the most important thing is that your development is stable and your expectations are clear. At Lone Star Plastic Surgery, I take the time to assess not just physical development, but also your long-term goals to ensure the best possible outcome — whether that means volume restoration, reshaping, or correction of asymmetry.
If you’re unsure whether your breasts have fully developed or are a candidate for surgery, we’d be happy to walk through it together during a consultation.
Warmly,Dr. Sean Hill