February 7, 2023
Tarek Elhor
Founder of Brussels Surgical · Anesthesiologist and Aesthetic Physician
Breast surgery has become a common and widely accepted procedure. It is often perceived as something mainly performed on young women, and frequently reduced to breast augmentation alone. In reality, there are many reasons to undergo breast surgery, at any age. In this article, we explain the different motivations, the appropriate timing, and other essential information about breast procedures.
Aesthetic concerns are without a doubt the most well-known and common reason for seeking breast surgery. The breasts are seen as a symbol of femininity. Having small breasts can lead some women to feel insecure, avoid undressing in front of others, rely on padded bras, or struggle with negative self-image.
The shape or firmness of the breasts can also be aesthetic concerns, particularly after one or more pregnancies. Breast augmentation offers an ideal solution to address these insecurities and improve one’s physical appearance. It allows patients to achieve the desired breast size, a rounder shape, or firmer breasts that no longer sag.
Certain medical conditions or congenital anomalies can also be addressed through breast surgery. These include:
These conditions can cause significant emotional and physical distress. Women may experience low self-esteem, feel different or abnormal, avoid wearing swimsuits, or even struggle with intimacy. Macromastia and ptosis can also be painful or impractical on a daily basis or during physical activity.
If you think you may have one of these conditions, you can schedule a consultation with one of our plastic surgeons. They will evaluate your situation and recommend the most suitable solution. In some cases, procedures may be partially reimbursed by the INAMI or mutual insurance.
Some illnesses or traumas can damage the breasts, and surgery may be required to repair the effects. This is especially true after breast cancer, where surgical removal of a tumor is necessary to prevent recurrence.
It is also the case for women who have undergone a mastectomy and wish to restore the appearance of their breasts.
Breast reconstruction usually takes place in several stages, combining surgical techniques and breast implants. First, the surgeon reconstructs the breast using tissue taken from other parts of the body, such as skin, muscle, or fat. Then, the nipple and areola are reconstructed using skin grafts or prosthetic techniques. Finally, the third step is similar to standard breast augmentation: an implant is inserted to restore volume.
Through this process, women who have undergone mastectomy can improve their appearance and begin to reconnect with their body. While reconstruction cannot recreate the exact breast as it was before, it can help restore confidence and a sense of femininity.
There is no legal minimum age for breast augmentation, but it is generally advised not to undergo the procedure before the breasts have finished developing, around the age of 17 or 18, especially if the patient is taking oral contraceptives and hormone levels have not yet stabilized. In general, it is best to wait until adulthood to consider such a procedure.
For underage patients, parental consent is required, and the plastic surgeon must ensure the procedure is truly necessary at such a young age. Aesthetic reasons alone are often not accepted, and the patient will need to wait until adulthood. However, in certain cases, such as painful macromastia, surgery may be considered at an earlier age.
Once you are of legal age, there is no specific age considered “ideal” for breast surgery. It depends on many factors and your personal experience. The most important thing is to feel good in your own body.
However, while age is not a strict limitation, breast surgery should never be performed during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you are planning to have children in the near future, it is better to wait until after your pregnancies before undergoing the procedure.
There are many reasons why a woman might consider breast surgery. Whether for aesthetic purposes, to correct a malformation, or to rebuild the breast after illness, there are suitable solutions. There is no perfect age to take this step, the key is feeling at ease in your body.
At Brussels Surgical & Esthetic Center, our plastic surgeons offer personalized guidance based on your unique case and will recommend the procedure best suited to your needs. Do not hesitate to book your free initial consultation.
A specific question?
