What age is too old for breast reconstruction?

Thank you for sharing your journey to your no reconstruction decision. I am 74 and opted for no reconstruction also, due to my fear of anesthesia. I am really happy with my decision and think the scar healed well and looks way better than I imagined….absolutely no regrets. I am thankful and grateful. It’s truly a personal decision and best wishes to all as we navigate through life.

I went flat and happy with it. At 64, breast or no breast I’m still an old women. I don’t care much about what people think of me. I’m just thankful to be alive and enjoy it. Everybody is different and if you want to have reconstruction, go for it. Wish everyone all the best.

This is a very personal decision. Please don’t let the opinions of others influence what is best for you. Are you choosing a double mastectomy and reconstruction or adjustments to the existing breast tissue? Partial reconstruction would be less invasive and have completely different recovery times from a full mastectomy reconstruction. If you’re troubled by unevenness, dents or shape plastic surgery can fix it.

It’s hard to answer your question. The size and shape of your lumpectomy and whether or not a double mastectomy is a possibility based on your risk of recurrence are variables that would alter reasonable advice.

I chose flat closure and love it. Before getting cancer I always thought I would want reconstruction. After nearly dying during chemo, needing blood transfusions after surgery and having 30 rounds of radiation I wasn’t willing to have any additional surgery. I researched all the types of reconstruction, complications and details. And chose what worked for me. I lost 50lbs during treatment and would have had to do implants because I didn’t have enough tissue and fat for a flap procedure.

Flat closure was best for me. That doesn’t mean it is best for everyone else. I am extremely confident without breasts. I love never having to wear a bra again. I am over 60 and widowed. Women making these decisions have a lot of factors to consider. Who are you trying to please with your decision? Yourself or others? If having even/shapely breasts is very important to you reconstruction may be a good option regardless of age.

But do what is best for you. Get information from professionals. A plastic surgeon should be able to provide details on possible procedures.