What is the Best Age to Get a Breast Augmentation?
Breast augmentation, more commonly known as a boob job, remains a top cosmetic surgery in 2024 because of its ability to empower women to achieve their desired body image. But the question of the ‘right age’ often lingers due to common misconceptions and societal pressures. There is no best age to get breast implants - instead, the answer lies in your personal journey fueled by unique needs and goals. So, let's ditch the age myth and explore the factors that truly matter.Why Choose a Breast Augmentation
Many women are interested in a breast augmentation or breast implants for various reasons – here are just a few common motivations:

• Addressing asymmetry or unevenness after hormonal changes, weight fluctuations, or developmental anomalies.
• Restoring volume after weight loss or pregnancy when diet and exercise haven't yielded desired results.
• Achieving a desired proportion after weight gain, particularly when breasts haven't kept pace with body changes.
• Boosting self-confidence and body image, seeking a sense of balance and harmony with their overall physique.
• Correcting developmental anomalies such as congenital defects or uneven breast growth.
• Achieving lift when time and gravity have taken a toll but lack enough natural breast tissue for just a breast lift.

 What are the Different Options for Breast Augmentation?
At the Northern Center for Plastic Surgery, we believe in personalized care. Dr. Capuano, our double board-certified plastic surgeon and President-Elect of the New Jersey Society of Plastic Surgeons, will guide you through every step. We will always put together a treatment plan based on options tailored to your body, goals, and lifestyle. This could include:

• Breast Implant choices: Discussing the advantages and disadvantages of silicone or saline implants, as well as varying shapes and sizes to achieve your desired outcome.
• Fat Grafting: Utilizing your own fat for a natural look and potential skin quality improvement, particularly suitable for smaller augmentations or corrections.
• Combined techniques: Blending implants and fat transfer for optimal results, addressing both volume and shape concerns.

What is the Difference between Breast Implants and Fat Grafting?
Implants offer long-lasting volume and projection, suitable for those seeking significant correction or enhancement. However, they require an incision and carry potential implant-related risks.

Fat grafting provides a natural look and feel, potentially improving skin quality in the donor area. However, results may be less dramatic, and multiple procedures might be needed to achieve the desired volume.

Unique Considerations for Reconstruction After Breast Cancer

For women facing breast cancer and undergoing a lumpectomy or mastectomy, reconstruction offers a path towards emotional and physical healing. Dr. Capuano is recognized as a specialist in the field of breast reconstruction, and understands the importance of providing the best possible quality of care before, during and following surgery. He can provide various reconstruction options, including:

• Immediate reconstruction: Performed during the same surgery as the lumpectomy, minimizing additional procedures and emotional stress.
• Delayed reconstruction: Allowing time for healing and reflection before choosing the best approach.
• Implant reconstruction: Utilizing implants to restore breast shape and volume.
• Autologous reconstruction: Using your own tissue from other areas of the body to rebuild the breast.
• Oncoplastic reconstruction: a group of surgical techniques based on mastopexy and reduction mammoplasty principles, used to remodel the remaining breast tissue following a lumpectomy.

Benefits and Risks of Breast Augmentation
Like any medical procedure, breast augmentation and reconstruction come with benefits and risks. Dr. Capuano will discuss these comprehensively during your consultation, including:Benefits:

• Increased confidence and self-esteem
• Improved body image and satisfaction
• Enhanced symmetry and proportion
• Potential correction of underlying issues (for both augmentation and reconstruction)

Risks:

• Implant rupture or leakage (with implants)
• Infection and scarring
• Changes in nipple sensation
• Asymmetry or capsular contracture (with implants)

Am I a Good Candidate for Breast Augmentation?
These are the main factors we believe ensure that you are making the right decision in moving forward with a breast augmentation or breast implants:

• Physical Maturity: Ideally, wait until breast development is complete (usually by early twenties) and have a clear understanding of your desired outcome.
• Emotional Maturity: Be confident in your decision, which should be fueled by personal goals, not external pressures. Realistic expectations and emotional stability are key for a positive experience.
• Physical Health: Good overall health is essential. Make sure you are free from active infections, chronic illnesses, or uncontrolled medical conditions that could impact healing or surgery. Consult with your doctor to ensure breast augmentation aligns with your medical history.
• Lifestyle and Habits: Maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding smoking are crucial for optimal results and healing. Dr Capuano will assess your lifestyle habits and advise if any adjustments are necessary for a successful surgery.
• Financial Preparedness: Make sure you understand the costs and investment involved. Our team can work with you to review financing options.
• Off label usage: The FDA has approved breast implants in patients over 22 years of age. Patients must understand that the FDA has not done safety studies in patients under 22 years of age and usage in this population is considered off label.

Ready to Explore Your Options?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Capuano at the Northern Center for Plastic Surgery, and we'll empower you to discover the right approach for your body, needs, and goals.