Breast augmentation is a popular cosmetic surgery that enhances the size and shape of the breasts through implants. However, while many women seek this procedure to boost their confidence and improve their appearance, not everyone is an ideal candidate for breast implants. Several factors can disqualify a person from getting breast implants, including physical health issues, lifestyle considerations, and medical conditions that could complicate the surgery or recovery process.
Understanding what disqualifies you from breast implants is crucial for making an informed decision about whether or not to pursue this type of surgery. In this article, we’ll explore the factors that may disqualify someone from getting breast implants, helping you determine if you’re a suitable candidate for the procedure.
Medical Conditions That Can Disqualify You
Certain medical conditions can make it unsafe or inadvisable to undergo breast augmentation. If you have one of the following conditions, you may not be eligible for breast implants or may need to delay the surgery until your health improves.
1. Active Infections
Active infections are a primary reason that a surgeon would disqualify someone from getting breast implants. Infection can complicate any surgery, including breast augmentation, and may lead to serious complications such as wound healing issues, implant rejection, or the development of abscesses. If you have an infection in your body, your surgeon will typically recommend delaying the procedure until the infection has cleared up.
2. Uncontrolled Diabetes
Diabetes, especially if it is poorly managed, can disqualify someone from getting breast implants. Uncontrolled blood sugar levels can impair the body’s ability to heal after surgery, increasing the risk of infection, scarring, and other complications. Surgeons typically require patients with diabetes to have their condition well-managed before undergoing breast augmentation.
3. Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or multiple sclerosis, can disqualify you from getting breast implants due to the impact these conditions have on the body’s ability to heal. In autoimmune conditions, the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, which can affect the healing process following surgery and increase the risk of complications. Some autoimmune diseases also carry a higher risk of inflammation and scarring, which can interfere with the results of the surgery.
4. Breast Cancer or History of Breast Cancer
Women with a current diagnosis of breast cancer may not be candidates for breast augmentation. If you have had breast cancer in the past, your surgeon will evaluate your health and may consider waiting for the cancer to be in remission for a certain period before proceeding with breast implants. Breast implants may also interfere with mammography screenings, making it harder to detect new cancers. However, breast reconstruction after a mastectomy is a different procedure, and some women may be eligible for breast implants following cancer treatment.
5. Heart Disease or Other Severe Health Conditions
Certain heart conditions, especially those that are severe or untreated, can also disqualify you from breast augmentation. If you have a heart condition or any other serious medical illness that requires ongoing treatment or monitoring, your surgeon may advise against surgery due to the risks involved. General anesthesia, which is used in breast augmentation, can put stress on the heart, and recovery may be complicated by other health factors.
Age-Related Considerations
While age itself is not a strict disqualifier for breast implants, there are certain age-related factors that may influence your eligibility for the procedure. Age can impact the body’s ability to heal, the natural changes in the breasts, and the long-term results of the surgery.
1. Under 18 Years Old
In most countries, the minimum legal age for breast augmentation is 18. This is because breast development continues until around this age, and undergoing surgery before full development could result in unsatisfactory or unexpected outcomes. If a patient is under 18 and wishes to undergo breast augmentation, they would typically need parental consent and a compelling reason for the surgery, such as a congenital breast condition or significant physical asymmetry.
2. Over 50 Years Old
There is no definitive age limit for breast augmentation, but women over 50 may face higher risks due to factors such as reduced skin elasticity, decreased healing ability, and the potential for other age-related health issues. Women in this age group should undergo a thorough medical evaluation to assess their health, including any risk factors associated with aging, before proceeding with breast augmentation. In some cases, surgeons may recommend a breast lift in addition to implants to achieve the desired aesthetic results.
Lifestyle Factors
In addition to medical conditions and age-related considerations, certain lifestyle factors can influence your eligibility for breast implants. These include smoking, weight fluctuations, and unrealistic expectations.
1. Smoking
Smoking is a significant risk factor in any surgical procedure, including breast augmentation. Nicotine restricts blood flow and impairs the body’s ability to heal, leading to a higher risk of complications such as infection, delayed wound healing, and poor scarring. Most plastic surgeons require their patients to stop smoking for at least several weeks before and after surgery to reduce these risks. If you are a smoker, you may be advised to quit before proceeding with breast augmentation.
2. Significant Weight Fluctuations
Extreme weight fluctuations or being significantly overweight can disqualify you from breast implants due to the potential impact on the skin and breast tissue. Large fluctuations in weight can stretch the skin and affect the position and size of the breasts, which could interfere with the results of breast augmentation. Surgeons generally recommend maintaining a stable weight for at least six months before surgery to ensure the best possible outcome.
3. Unrealistic Expectations
Unrealistic expectations about the results of breast augmentation can also disqualify you from surgery. Breast implants can enhance the size and shape of the breasts, but they cannot create perfect results. If a patient expects breast augmentation to solve deeper psychological or emotional issues, such as body dysmorphia or dissatisfaction with their self-image, the surgeon may recommend counseling before proceeding with the surgery. A responsible surgeon will discuss the realistic outcomes of breast augmentation and ensure that the patient is psychologically prepared for the changes.
Psychological Factors
In addition to physical health and lifestyle, psychological readiness is a crucial aspect of being a good candidate for breast implants. Surgeons assess whether candidates have a healthy mindset about the procedure and their expectations.
1. Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)
Body Dysmorphic Disorder is a mental health condition in which a person has an intense preoccupation with perceived flaws or defects in their appearance. Individuals with BDD may seek breast implants or other cosmetic surgeries in an attempt to correct something that isn’t actually problematic. If you have BDD, breast augmentation may not address the underlying psychological issues, and the surgery could lead to dissatisfaction or further anxiety about your appearance. Surgeons will usually screen for BDD during consultations and may advise against surgery if the disorder is present.
Conclusion
While breast augmentation is a safe and effective procedure for many women, it is not suitable for everyone. Medical conditions such as active infections, autoimmune diseases, uncontrolled diabetes, and breast cancer can disqualify a person from undergoing breast augmentation. Additionally, age, lifestyle factors like smoking, and psychological readiness play important roles in determining whether someone is an ideal candidate for the procedure.
If you are considering breast implants, it is essential to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate your health, goals, and expectations. The surgeon will provide a thorough assessment, help you understand the potential risks, and guide you in making the best decision based on your individual circumstances. By being honest about your health and expectations, you can ensure the best possible outcome and achieve the results that are right for you.
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