What Would Be Reasons to Postpone Having Breast Augmentation Surgery? (photo)

A properly performed breast augmentation dramatizes the breast very little at all. The capsule will form around the prosthesis which is composed primarily of collagen. There's no reason not to proceed even if you want to breast feed in the future.

At 22, I think you'll be just fine with implants.  In fact, you can even get silicone if you'd like.  Breast implants can not only improve the shape and volume of your breasts, they can help your self image as well.  Good luck! 

Dear Jacks,  thank you for your question/photos.  I believe you have been thinking about and researching breast augmentation surgery for quite some time.  I don't believe you are too young for breast augmentation surgery and there are not any reasons to postpone surgery.  This is a good time in your life to get them and having a baby in 5+ years should not be the deciding factor.  Pregnancy does affect the result, but it will affect your breasts no matter what.  Also, nursing, if you choose to do so, should not be affected by breast augmentation.  You would benefit greatly in your shape and figure from breast augmentation as your breasts do not fit your frame well.  Choose a plastic surgeon who is board certified by the American board of plastic surgery, get a few consults, look at their before and after photos, discuss all your concerns, and choose the surgeon that you believe is the best for you.  You will have a great result and be happy you went through the procedure.  Also, I suggest either memory gel implants or form stable (gummy bear) implants, which are my favorite.  Best Wishes, Pablo Prichard, MD

I believe you are fine to have an augmentation now. If you were planning a major weight change, planning pregnancy in the immediate future, have a medical problem that requires treatment then I would recommend postponing. I believe that an augmentation properly performed and sized would give you the result you desire.

Thanks for you question. It is hard to know when is the best time for breast augmentation surgery, especially if you are thinking of having a family sometime down the track. There is no strict right or wrong answer. There are many issues to weigh up. If you are very concerned about the appearance of your breasts now and would like to improve it, then, certainly, 22 is not too young to undergo breast augmentation surgery. What you need to consider is that your implants won't change much over time - but your breast tissue will, especially with pregnancy and breast feeding. There is a chance that you may need some revisional surgery after you have finished having  family if your breast tissue starts to "sag" over the implant.

In terms of scarring, there are different approaches for placing an implant. The most common is an incision in the fold underneath the breast, although some surgeons favour using a scar around the nipple or in the arm-pit.

Achieving a "natural result" is subjective. I think it's important not to get implants which are too large - this tends to distort the surround breast tissue and can leave you with problems of stretching in years to come which can be difficult to correct. I lean towards anatomical cohesive silicon gel implants because I think they give a better shape. Your plastic surgeon will determine whether you have enough soft tissue coverage in the upper pole of the breast to place the implant under the breast gland - otherwise it is better to place the implant under the muscle to camouflage the implant better.

Good luck with your decision

Were you planning a pregancy in the near future, or a major weight change, many surgeons would advise delaying breast surgery. Since neither seems to be the case, it seems that any time that works for your schedule will work once you have made up your mind to proceed. The most important factor is a natural appearance is choosing an appropriately sized implant. That usually means an implant that is not wider than your  own breast. Your surgeon can help choose among the alternatives. Based on the photos, I would hope your goal is not to be as large as your mother, for an implant that large would probably look quite unnatural on you.

When you are ready for an in person consultation, RealSelf has listings of surgeons in your area. You should consider cross referencing the listings from the The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (plasticsurgery dot org). A listing in the ASPS website assures you that your surgeon is not only board certified,  but also is a member in good standing of the major plastic surgery organization in the U. S. Thank you for your question, best wishes.

You appear to be an excellent candidate for Breast Augmentation.  Consult with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to discuss size and concerns.  Also, try on sizers in your surgeon's office so that you will get a better understanding of what to expect from your surgery.