Once upon a time, the most popular breast augmentation candidates were young woman, usually ages 20-23, in search of correcting hypoplasia, or correction of having small breasts. This group of younger women, typically of pre-child bearing age, were looking to enhance the size and shape of their breasts, while still maintaining a natural appearance. While Dr. Greenwald still sees a high number of younger patients in his practice, he’s seen a huge increase in breast augmentation surgeries in patients over the age of 40. These women are past their childbearing years and are interested in recreating their previous young and youthful appearing breasts. Due to pregnancy and breastfeeding, many women over 40 experience significant loss in breast volume and some droopiness, which can make women appear older than they feel.
Why the increased popularity in for women over 40? While it is safe to breastfeed with implants, many women are choosing to have their breast augmentation after they have children. “Because breast shape and size can change with each pregnancy, many of my patients prefer to wait until they are done having children and have stopped breastfeeding before having breast augmentation surgery” says Dr. Greenwald. Additionally, for some post-pregnancy women, Dr. Greenwald may recommend a breast lift with or without a breast augmentation to remove excess skin and provide a more “perky” result.
So what concerns women choosing to have breast surgery later in life? In our practice, many moms ask if breast implants interfere with the ability to have a mammogram. “The technology today is advanced enough to allow mammograms to be performed safely and accurately on patients with saline or silicone breast implants,” says Dr. Greenwald, “however it is important your physician and technician are aware of your breast augmentation surgery to ensure they take the proper measures to image your breast tissue appropriately.”
To schedule a consultation with Dr. Greenwald to learn more about your breast enhancement treatment options, contact his practice by calling (914) 421-0113 or (212) 518-1642.
