60 Years Old - Too Old for Breast Implants?

Question

I am 60 years old, look 50-ish, and want to know if it's too late to have implants. And, if a lift is recommended, what are those risks? Is There a Point when Your Age Becomes an Issue?

Nidia H. De Jesus, MD, PhD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
While being older may mean you are more likely to have more medical problems it is not in itself a contraindication to breast augmentation with implants. Whether or not a patient is a good candidate for breast augmentation is a determination made on a number of factors, including medical and social history. In patients in which a lift is recommended, the risk profile is similar to that of augmentation -- infection, bleeding, etc. In these instances, the recommendation is made as the final result with the addition of a lift is thought to be superior. If you have reservations about the recommendations it may be advisable to seek a second opinion and proceed with surgery with the physician that you feel you can trust the most.
Best wishes!

Lewis Albert Andres, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question! Age alone is not a contraindication 
to a surgical procedure.  There are a few medical 
comorbidities that contribute to a higher risk during any surgical 
procedure including infections, wound complications, delayed wound 
healing, bleeding, anesthetic risks, etc. Factors such as diabetes, 
hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart problems, lung problems, 
etc are more common in the elderly.  However, if you are healthy, or 
these conditions are well-controlled, you would certainly still be a 
candidate for a surgical procedure.  If your complaints or desires are 
great enough to consider the surgical option, I would seek a 
consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your complaints and go 
over the options as well as risks and benefits of the procedure.You
 should obtain medical clearance from your primary care physician that 
you 
are at an acceptable risk for undergoing a surgical procedure. For 
elective or aesthetic procedures, your surgeon may want to get you to a 
reasonable health status prior to consideration for a procedure.  
Discuss all of 
your medical comorbidities and medication with your surgeon prior and 
discuss these risks.  Also, discuss this with your anesthesiologist as 
proper monitoring and medications will be watched closely.  This 
procedure should still be very safe for you and hope for an 
uncomplicated course with an excellent result!  Hope that this helps! 
Best wishes!

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Sixty years old is not the limiting factor as long as you are in good health. I would discuss this with your primary care physician and ask for his/her recommendation for a plastic surgeon. Once you have scheduled a consult wiht the plastic surgeon, they wii decide and advise you as to the need for a lift

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Dear Terylee,

	An adult who is healthy, has appropriate expectations for the given procedure and is a good candidate can usually have a cosmetic procedure.  Age is not a great factor if the other criteria has been met.  Every surgeon has his/her comfort level performing cosmetic procedures on  patients in their 7th or 8th decade of life.

	Dr. ES

Alejandro J. Quiroz, MD · Answer

Age is not  an issue, health is.  Have a full physical including a EKG and find a Certified Plastic surgeon that you fill conforatble with and enjoy  your results

Steven H. Warnock, MD · Answer

I do not believe that there is an age limit on breast augmentation. Medical conditions can be more of a problem with havinsurgery and the risks of undergoing general anesthesia. There are risks and benefits of breast augmentation, some of these risks do go up with age. Women have breast augmentation to feel better about themselves and their appearance. This is the same at any age. I would suggest having a physical and some routine labwork with your general practitioner prior to surgery.

Jason Hess, MD · Answer

60 years old is not too old for implants. When performed appropriately, you will likely do well. Whether you need a lift depends on the degree of droopiness, implant size you seek, and your current breast size. Very small breasted women go through much of there life with less ptosis (droopiness) than larger breasted women. Some things that are necessary before surgery are preoperative clearance by your primary doctor and a preop mammogram. As you age, your dermis thins. This may bias you towards a silicone implant so you can minimize the risk of implant rippling through breast tissue. Good luck!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Your age does not exclude you from being a good candidate for breast augmentation.   I would advise you to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your best possible options. Usually, prior to surgery, a mammogram, EKG, and medical clearance is required to proceed with surgery.  Best wishes.

David Bogue, MD · Answer

The important determination for cosmetic surgery is your health, not so much your age. Breast augmentation has some challenges in the older breast - less skin tone, greater need for a lift, etc. Determine what your goals of surgery are and meet with a plastic surgeon you feel comfortable with. Communication between your primary physician and your plastic surgeon will determine your appropriateness for surgery.

Walter D. Gracia, MD · Answer

I have frequently done Breast Augmentation in patients that are your age and not had any more problems in this age group as any other age group. If your health is good it should be a consideration if you want to improve your appearance.

60 Years Old - Too Old for Breast Implants?

Answers (18)