Best method for breast augmentation for older woman?

We have many patients in the 50+ year old range that undergo breast augmentation. For many patients, they finally have a few minutes for themselves since their children are a little older. Many have started to or have undergone menopause, so their breasts are changing and losing volume. The skin may be a little loose so they want to undergo often a small breast augmentation to look comfortable in clothing and bathing suits. We have all kinds of natural styles of implants to customize a look for a patient. We even have Crisalix, a 3D imaging system so a patient can see what they might look like after augmentation.Make sure to visit someone with a lot of experience in breast augmentation that has board certification in plastic surgery.

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  Breast augmentation using an implant can have a natural look and shape in a wide age range of patients if good technique is used.  The size, profile, and shape of the
implant is based on your desired breast size/shape, your chest wall
measurements, and soft tissue quality.  This decision should
be based on a detailed discussion with equal input from both you
and your surgeon.   Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most
important aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.  FACS
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

There numerous decisions which need to be made when considering breast augmentation: implant type, profile, volume, incision, over vs. under. Each will have an impact on the final outcome.While age does necessarily limit these choices, tissue quality varies with age and will be taken into account when making decisions.With regards to your specific question, when there is a concern surrounding a lack of native breast tissue/thin skin for camouflaging the device...submuscular is preferred. This will offer greater coverage and impart a more "natural" result.As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Congratulations on doing something for yourself! I have had patients well into their 60's and 70's desiring breast augmentation. For my patients, I recommend the underarm incision for best results. Patients are curious about how this advanced Transaxillary Breast Augmentation procedure differs from typical breast augmentation surgery. The difference boils down to how the implant is placed. Rather than cutting an incision in the fold under the breast or around the nipple, a small incision is made in the crease of the armpit. An HD endoscopic camera is inserted to examine the pocket and then the implant is placed the under the pectoral muscle which offers an incredibly natural look.

In older individuals I would recommend smaller implants to keep the results as natural as possible.  If you have adequate soft tissue coverage I would place the implants on top of the muscle.  This approach offers less pain and faster recovery.  If there is any history of breast tissue pathology then I would place the implants under the muscle. Best of luck.