The costs, risks and reality of having a boob job in your 50s

Women in mid-life make up 20pc of breast enlargement patients. If you are considering the procedure, what do you need to make sure you do?

We remain a nation happy to go under the knife in the pursuit of the perfect breasts. According to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, in its latest annual audit, just under 5,000 women undertook breast augmentation surgery – the most frequently performed aesthetic surgical procedure.
More surprising, however, is the surge in these procedures for mid-life women, with recent data showing women in their 50s and 60s now making up around 20 per cent of all breast enlargement patients. The reason behind this surge? “Advances in surgical techniques coupled with greater societal acceptance of cosmetic surgery,” says Dr Ducu Botoaca, of Dr Ducu Clinics.
The thriving mature dating scene, and the desire to tune up the body after having children, is also fuelling the fire for these kinds of enhancements. “For many women over 50, the decision can be linked to a renewed sense of empowerment and control over their own bodies,” says Dr Amer Hussain, a consultant breast oncoplastic and aesthetic surgeon with Pall Mall Medical. “After having children and navigating life changes, women feel motivated to invest in themselves. Cosmetic procedures like this can help boost confidence.”
“Breast augmentation aims to increase the size of the breasts and make them fuller,” explains renowned plastic and cosmetic surgeon Dr Paul Banwell, “but the procedure can also be suitable to correct asymmetry of the breasts through an enlarging technique. Women with a degree of sag may choose instead to have a breast uplift (mastopexy) to lift the nipple and tighten the skin envelope.”
There are different ways to achieve bigger breasts:
“This involves the placement of a breast implant (prosthesis) either behind the breast tissue (subglandular/subfascial pocket and currently the most preferred technique) or partially under the pectoralis muscle (submuscular/dual plane pocket). The insertion of an implant will make the breast appear larger and fuller,” says Dr Banwell.
Pro: Dr Banwell advises that augmentation surgery can now be done with minimal scarring (around 3cm).
Con: Going under the muscle can be painful and can even lead to tissue damage.
This technique – also called lipo-filling or lipostructure – was originally used in the face, but is now used in cosmetic surgery for enhancement or to improve asymmetry. “Fat from areas such as the abdomen or thighs is removed by surgeons at the time of liposuction operations and can be injected into the breasts,” says Dr Banwell.
Pro: Fat transfer augmentation generally has a short recovery period with patients returning to work between one and seven days after the procedure.
Con: This procedure is not available to everybody – it is dependent on body shape as you need enough fat to be removed and reinjected into the breast.
For those looking for a natural effect, new techniques are changing the game. Dr Banwell’s clinic offers Mia Breast Harmonisation, for example, which utilises specially designed instrumentation and a diamond-shaped (biconvex) implant which can be injected into the breast via the armpit. Performed under a local anaesthetic with sedation, the concept focuses on tissue preservation and a subtle increase of 1-2 cup sizes. “Patients who opt for this are often looking for the effect of a push-up bra, without needing to wear a push-up bra,” says Dr Banwell.
There are two main types of implant: saline and silicone.
These impants require a smaller incision, can be adjusted during surgery and offer a rounder, fuller shape to the breast. They are often recommended for a more prominent look.
They are lightweight, flexible and offer a more natural shape and feel. Those preferring a more anatomical shape can choose teardrop silicone implants, which replicate the natural shape of the breast.
These are an increasingly popular variation of silicone implants, and are so named because they are filled with a much thicker silicone gel, which makes them hold their shape. These are durable and less likely to leak, with a lifetime of around 20 years; however, they are more expensive and can require correctional surgery if they shift.
All our experts agree that breast enlargement is a deeply personal decision which should be well researched and considered.
Dr Veronika Matutyte, a GP and gerontologist promoting well-being in older adults, says: “Breast enlargement surgery offers both physical and psychological benefits, especially for women in their 50s. Physically, it restores volume lost through ageing, weight changes, or after childbirth and breastfeeding. Psychologically, many women report increased confidence and body satisfaction.
“Studies show that women in this age group seek to feel more comfortable in their bodies as they transition through mid-life, and the procedure offers a way to enhance self-esteem and reassert control over their appearance.”
According to Dr Matutyte, determining whether breast enlargement is the right choice first involves reflecting on your motivations and expectations.
“For mid-life women, the decision often goes beyond appearance, addressing deep-seated concerns about ageing and self-image,” she says. “While the surgery can significantly boost confidence, it’s essential to ensure you are not influenced by external pressures and to remember that the procedure is not a solution for all emotional issues tied to body image.”
Factors to consider before surgery include:
“Women over 50 must ensure they are in good health and may need to stop smoking or adjust medications to minimise surgical risks,” says Dr Matutyte. “A balanced lifestyle before surgery aids recovery.”
“Very sporty or active women should consider how implants might impact their lifestyle,” says Dr Ducu, “while women over 50 should consider the elasticity of their skin.” This can affect how the breasts settle after surgery, he warns. “Age isn’t a barrier, but careful surgical planning is essential.”
Women considering implants before having children should understand that the placing of the implant directly under glandular tissue and the location of an incision around the areola can increase the risk of damage to the milk ducts, glands and nerves, which may affect their ability to breastfeed.
In the UK, breast enlargement surgery typically costs between £4,000 and £9,000, depending on factors such as implant type, surgical complexity and the surgeon’s experience. This cost will rise if a patient needs revision surgeries or implant replacements.
While cost is a consideration, patients should always prioritise safety and expertise. Dr Georgina Williams, a consultant plastic and reconstructive surgeon, practises both privately with the Montrose London Clinic and at Charing Cross and St Mary’s NHS hospitals. “Choosing a qualified, accredited surgeon is of paramount importance and key to achieving the best results,” she says. “Check the surgeon you are going to see is on the GMC’s [General Medical Council] Specialist Register for plastic surgery. A surgeon who currently has or has previously held a consultant post in the NHS is also a sign they have been vetted and have a requisite level of training.”
Preparation for surgery is crucial and involves physical and psychological preparedness.
“We advise patients to stop smoking and avoid blood-thinning medications like aspirin,” says Dr Ducu. You should also expect a preoperative consultation to review medical history and plan the procedure. “Mentally preparing for realistic outcomes helps in achieving satisfaction post-surgery,” adds Dr Matutyte.
Breast enlargement surgery typically lasts 1-2 hours under general anaesthesia. You should expect to meet with your surgeon for a final check and to be closely monitored after the operation in the recovery room. Most patients can return home the same day.
Recovery can be relatively straightforward, but it’s important to follow medical advice carefully. “Wearing a surgical support bra, avoiding strenuous activity and following a personalised aftercare routine will ensure optimal healing,” says Dr Matutyte. “Swelling and discomfort are normal during the first week but can be managed with medication,” adds Dr Ducu. Full recovery may take a few months, particularly for women in mid-life, who may heal more slowly.
“Like any surgery, breast augmentation comes with risks,” says Dr Ducu; these could include infection, bleeding and anaesthesia-related complications. Specific risks for implants include capsular contracture, where scar tissue forms around the implant, causing hardening.
Leaking and rupturing are also an issue, with scandals often hitting the news: Beth Hewson, a 49-year-old woman from Yorkshire, spoke out earlier in 2024 after her implants suddenly ruptured, leaving her in agony. Facing a year-long wait to have them removed on the NHS, she was forced to pay £11,000 for the private procedure.
Celebrities including Victoria Beckham, Pamela Anderson and Sharon Osbourne have all famously had their implants removed, while Playboy founder Hugh Hefner’s wife Crystal has spoken about her problems post-op, claiming her implants slowly poisoned her.
For cases such as this, the term “breast implant illness”, or BII, has been coined. It is thought by medical professionals to be caused by either autoimmune or inflammatory responses to implants which, in turn, trigger a series of mental and physical conditions such as anxiety, rashes and chronic pain, and there has so far been little research in the area.
While implants do not cause cancer, there is increasing research into the link between implants and cancer cells which grow in the surrounding scar tissue after augmentation surgery.
Implants are not lifetime devices and may require replacement after 10-20 years.
“Women in their 50s should consider how the implants will age with their bodies. Future weight changes, hormonal shifts and general ageing can affect the look of the breasts and some women may require further procedures to maintain the desired appearance,” says Dr Matutyte.
Whatever your age, monitoring breast health is vital and women should continue to self-check, although normal screening can be problematic. “Regular check-ups are essential,” says Dr Ducu. “I always recommend periodic imaging such as MRI scans, to ensure implants remain intact. Keeping a relationship with your surgeon is important for monitoring any changes.”
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