What age is too old for breast reconstruction

I think it depends on your overall health more so than age. Also, which type of reconstruction you are considering. I am 61 and back in treatment for a recurrence. In the meantime, I developed a capillary contracture around my implant “due to radiation” per MD statement. To repair this as soon as I finish treatment again, I asked the same question regarding age. His response was that you had to be able to walk 1 mile and up 2 flights of steps before being considered for DIEP flap reconstruction. Implant reconstruction, walk 1/2 mile and go up 1 flight of steps. I would point blank ask your plastic surgeon what the criteria is for each type of reconstruction you may be considering.

Thank you so much. I hope you do well 🙏

Think carefully about this 78guh. Of course, everyone is different, have different priorities and in various states of "health". I am 70. Before my bilateral mastectomy in May 2025, I pondered over this decision as well. My main concern was that I would look in the mirror, be always reminded of my cancer and also feel physically & psychologically "damaged" without the implants, looking at my flat chest. But I went deeper. I considered my various other health issues, i.e. chronic heart disease, chronic migraines, my history of developing scar tissue over every surgery I had in my life...and because of my history of a concussion and brain abnormalities, my plastic surgeon was concerned about the effects of general anesthesia on me. He stated he would do the implants at the same time as the mastectomy. Therefore, the implants would actually be smaller than my breasts. Perky but small. I had a B cup. Hmm...was it worth it?
I went over the list of pros and cons. I am considered a "complex" medical patient with polypharmacy for all my health issues. I decided I did not want to "chance" the many possible complications down the road. And there are a lot. Would I have problems with the implants? Who knows. But I did not want to take the chance at my age. Plus the implants "usually" are replaced in 10 years...removal and re-implanted at age 80? I don't think so.
My husband said he would support me in ANY decision I made. The plastic surgeon told me he would have the OR set up for implants (would be easier that way) if I was a go. He let me decide on the day of my surgery. So, the morning of, he came into my holding area and asked...I said I decided not to have implants...he said "you made the right decision". My lead surgeon told me senior women are "60% yes - 40% no". However, I put more stock in the oncology RNs on my team. I asked them if "women my age usually go for the implants?". They all said "no" (I am a retired RN). So, I considered everything and made my own decision. And it was the right one for me. I was completely "fine" looking at myself with a flat chest. I did not feel any less of a woman, nor horrified I had no breasts anymore. The only priority for me was my "health". Getting rid of the cancer poison in my body. I ended having "1" positive lymph node and it only takes 1 for a re-occurrence down the road. Because I was considered early stage the oncotype testing revealed chemo would not be indicated for me...my score was 14 (below the dreaded 25-100) and no radiation b/c I had no breasts!
This is MY story only. Everyone is different, I gave you MY perspective. Only because at our ages, we must think of everything as we age further. If I was a young woman with breast cancer, my story might have had a different ending. The very best of luck to you and good wishes as you travel the cancer road. You will figure out what works best for YOU.

I am 69 years old, had single mastectomy and radiation, followed by reconstruction. So far, no complications. I do live a healthy, active lifestyle and have no other physical/medical complications. Good luck! It's a personal decision and everyone is different. It is important to have a positive attitude and realistic expectations. (In my opinion!)

I am 70 and had bilateral mastectomies in January and implant surgery in May. I love my new breasts. I will get tattooed nipples this September.

Honestly I have much smaller breasts but they are perky and I proportionate and I felt why not live the rest of my life feeling good about how I look. I am so happy I opted for having the reconstruction done. No pain at all and I am so fortunate to have had a low oncotype score and no chemo and no radiation since I had both breasts removed. Doing hormone therapy for five years and praying it won’t come back. My lymph nodes were clear. 🙏. My advise. So what makes you feel good. Don’t think about your age!

I am 60, and I had a double mastectomy. I decided to do the DEIP flap surgery this past June. It turned out being a 16 hour surgery with them having to do a graft on my leg in order to get a long enough vein. Recovery has been painful and long. I am seven weeks out. If I had it to do over again, I don't know that I would do it. Everyone has different pain levels- my pain level is very low. Best of luck to you. You will make the best decision for you.

My feelings were I can not control cancer but I can control what reconstruction I can get. I am 71 and just had SMX and then stacked DIEP reconstruction. My results have been very good. My breast surgeon and plastic surgeon no longer do the surgeries all at the same time as they have found much better results with having the mastectomy and expanders first, then waiting 3-6 months to have the DIEP surgery. I also had a third surgery with lipo/fat grafting for aesthetic reasons to balance out the look of new and old breasts.
So -- you have to be willing to go the long haul if you do this, plus I think it's a little easier recovery. The DIEP is still major surgery but since I'm healthy otherwise I had no particular problems.
I felt strongly that I wanted my own tissue rather than an implant plus I also wanted nerve regeneration (knowing the result from this may or may not work out). This is a very personal decision, though, and although everyone has an opinion please advocate for what you want.

Thank you so much. I appreciate your story. I love the sentence. You can't control cancer but you can control your decision about reconstruction

Reconstruction covers a wide range of options. Two years ago at 75 I had a lumpectomy followed by a reduction on both breasts from ddd to small c during which nipples were removed and then placed back on smaller breasts. It went really well and I’m glad I did it. I had various risk factors
but no problems with surgery or recovery despite them and my age.
Ultimately it’s up to you to decide what you want to do. Best wishes and thoughts.