How to Determine the Best Time for Breast Implant Surgery

The decision to get breast implants can be either a simple one or a difficult one. Once you have decided that you do want to get breast implants, you have to decide when to have the procedure. Even though you could get breast implants at anytime, there are ideal times for everyone. Below is a list to help you know when it is the best time to have breast implant surgery.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Make sure that your body is finished growing. You need to wait until your breasts have stopped growing to get breast implants. You want to wait and see what your body shape will be and what your breasts will look like. Your breasts might just be late-bloomers and will grow last. Most older women can tell you that your breasts at age 23 are often far more developed than your breasts at 18.
2. Be old enough to make this decision. Most plastic surgeons recommend waiting until you are 18. This is a medical procedure, and you need to be mature enough to understand the risks and complications that could arise during the surgery. Unless the surgery is to repair some damage or deformity, it is not recommended that adolescent (teenage) women have breast implants.
3. Wait if you plan to have children. Having children will change the shape and size of your breasts, and you may need to have the breast implants redone after having children. Pregnancy will make your breasts swell and stretch out the skin. They may or may not return to their original shape.
4. Schedule surgery around planned activities. If you are going to school or work, you want to plan your surgery during time off or school breaks (such as winter or summer breaks). Though you will be able to return to school and work after a few days, you will be sore for a few weeks. Any time off that you could allow yourself will help in the recovery process.
5. Be ready for summer. Do you like to swim and are active in the summer? Then you would want to schedule your breast implant surgery for fall. You would want your new breasts to be completely healed. Your scars should be faded and less noticeable, and you will want to wear your swimsuit.
6. Make sure you are in good health. Before scheduling your breast implant surgery, make sure to have a full physical so that you know if you are in good health or not. This will make it easier to avoid complications down the line, and it is just good common sense not to have unnecessary surgery if you are sick.

Tips & Warnings

• Ask your doctor what time frame he or she recommends. Sometimes he or she will have a good idea of the best time for you.
• Research breast implant surgery. You need to make sure that you are well-informed and are comfortable with the procedure. Take the time to ask questions and do your research.
• Don’t try to do things too soon. You need to wear supportive bras for awhile after breast implant surgery, and a swimsuit is not supportive. If you know that you are going to want to show your breasts off in summer, get the surgery done plenty of time in advance.
• Do not let anyone pressure you into having breast implant surgery. This is your body, and no one can make this decision for you. Make sure that it is your decision and you are ready.