Would you recommend a young 18-20 yr old woman get a breast augmentation due to weight fluctuations/volume loss before kids?

Dear z.pay,
it is hard to tell for sure without an examination. If you are considering a surgery, I would suggest you to consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

If your breasts are like "mom boobs" like you describe then you may not need augmentation but a lift. Many women do not like breast lifts because of the vertical scars associated with the traditional techniques. For that reason, an alternative was developed called The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Thank you for your question. An examination in person by a board certified plastic surgeon would be required to properly advise you and make the appropriate treatment recommendations. That said, plastic surgery is an option for you to improve your quality of life. While timing can indeed be discussed with regard to what is "optimal" we perform plastic surgery on infants and children and adolescents if indicated, so as an 18 year old woman you do not need to wait until you have had one or more children to enjoy the benefits of breast enhancement surgery that would improve your overall sense of self confidence. From your description you may need a breast lift, with or without a breast augmentation with breast implants. Hard to tell without photos.

Please consult with a board certified plastic surgeon whose results appeal to you based on his or her Before and After gallery, and reviews. Be prepared with photos of "favorites" to help your plastic surgeon understand your aesthetic goals. Be open to more than one opinion if necessary, to feel comfortable with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck to you.

Thanks for you question. The best results from aesthetic procedures occur when someone is weight stable. It is true that pregnancy and breastfeeding can alter the size and shape of the breasts. From your description, you may need a breast lift. If you are also interested in an augmentation, consider that many patients undergo breast augmentation prior to having children; they just have to be ok with potentially needing further procedures in the future and with the risk of potentially not being able to breastfeed. Not being able to breastfeed is also a risk of a breast lift. Also, it is important to note that silicone breast implants are FDA-approved for cosmetic use in patients 22 years and older. I recommend that you speak with a trained plastic surgeon for evaluation and further discussion.

If you want an augmentation, then do it. If you plan to have children soon, then you might consider waiting. Otherwise, get the breasts you want now and consider a revision after having all the children you want if needed. Not all women need to have a revision after having children.

Based on your description you may be more of a candidate for a lift than augmentation. I encourage you to visit with a board certified plastic surgeon near you for a consultation. After an examination and discussion of your goals the proper recommendation can be made.

Z.pay,
Thank you for an important question. If you definitely plan to have children in the next 2-5 years in the future I would wait to have breast augmentation. Especially if your weight fluctuates. If you are uncertain when you will have children and want to improve your breast appearance then you can consider breast implants. If you wait until you are 22 you can have the new cohesive silicone gel implants and get the extended warranty. I recommend that you consult an experienced board certified Plastic surgeon to explore your options.