You might be surprised to hear the answer to this question and how those who have been through or are waiting for reconstruction feel about this. I tackled the question with a notable microsurgeon from MedStar Georgetown Health, Dr. David Song. I also reached out to the Facebook group, DiepCJourney, and asked them, is age a factor in breast reconstruction?
Chronological Age is not the Strong Consideration
Dr Song explains, chronological age is not the strong consideration in breast reconstruction, especially autologous (using your own tissue) reconstruction. The more important factor is overall health and body habitus.
Amazingly, Dr. Song tells us the youngest patient he performed a DIEP flap on was 20, and the oldest was 89! Surprisingly, the 89-year-old when home post-op, day one. This woman was in otherwise good health. However, is important to talk to your breast reconstruction surgeon about heart, lung, or kidney issues to name some of the medical concerns for having surgery. These will be assessed at the time of the consult with your plastic surgeon.
For younger patients considering breast reconstruction, pregnancy and future pregnancy may be a concern. Whether reconstruction is being done prophylactically, for those at high risk of having breast cancer, or for a young woman who has been diagnosed and still of childbearing age, this is a conversation to have at the time of your consult with your plastic surgeon. Dr. Song recommends seeking surgeons who are comfortable and high-volume to achieve optimal patient outcomes. He emphasizes in the case of young women, preserving muscle, fascia, and nerves are important to future pregnancy to avoid a hernia.
Body habitus, which means your shape and figure. For the plastic surgeon, this translates into what is available for them to use for reconstruction. Some patients are very thin, begin with a triple D breast and want to have a triple D after breast reconstruction. No matter how many flaps are used, sometimes it is not possible to attain the size desired by the patient. I always counsel patients to have realistic expectations. Have a shared decision-making conversation with your plastic surgeon to set realistic goals based on your body habitus and what they can do for you.
Patients’ Thoughts on Age and Breast Reconstruction
I took a poll on the DiepCJourney Facebook group. There were over 400 respondents in 24 hours. The poll asked what age they were at the time of their reconstruction. In the comments they were asked to describe what type of reconstruction they had, implants or using their own tissue. They were also invited to comment if age was a factor when deciding on their reconstruction. Here are just a few of the comments.
- My decision was more about lifestyle and living to 100.
- I was so certain when I met with my plastic surgeon that he would say I was too old at age 66 to do a single DIEP flap reconstruction. When he said I was a good candidate and not too old, I could have cried. I did not even have to think about it. I just said, “Book my surgery!”
- I was 52. It never occurred to me to even think about my age. I was physically fit.
- My age was not something I even thought about while making my reconstruction decision. My decision was based on what was best for me.
- To me age did play a role. I recently turned 29 but really think if I were 70 going through this, I would do the same. It just makes me feel whole again and like a woman.
- Anticipated to be August. I am 67
- I was 70 and did well for an old broad.
How old were you when you had breast reconstruction? I would love for you to share your thoughts and if age was a consideration or concern for you at the time of your reconstruction.
I cannot think of a better statement to wrap up this blog. Enjoy the video from Dr. David Song to find out: Is age a factor in breast reconstruction?