As a medical assistant in a board certified plastic surgeons office, I have seen a dramatic increase in the "40 somethings" getting augmentation. People are staying fit longer, being active into their 50's and 60's, and there is no reason why their physical appearance shouldn't match how they feel. There are, however, some things to consider:
1. Capsulary contracture: (Or hardening of the pocket around the implant) when using a saline implant, placed sub-pectorally (under the muscle) about 3%
2. Rupture: When saline is placed sub-pectorally, the rupture rate is approximately 7% at ten years...That would indicate that 93% of implants are still intact in 10 years- there is no need to replace implants if nothing is wrong- they aren't tires, people! If it ain't broke, don't mess with it. (also, see #4)
3. Making breast cancer harder to find- approximately 70% of breast cancer is found through patients self-exams. Women with implants are required to massage the implant daily, so the incidence of "early finds" is actually a bit higher on women with implants. The risk of cancer is neither increased by implants, nor is the survival rate decreased. You must still receive regular mammograms, and let the mammographer know that you have implants. They will use the implant to displace the breast tissue to get a better view.
4. COST- Mentor is a very commonly used brand of implant, and they have so much faith in their product that they will replace the implants for your lifetime at no cost PROVIDED IT IS A DEFECT IN THE IMPLANT. You may purchase an additional warranty directly from Mentor that enables you to recoup surgical fees and OR fees.

Bottom line- if you find a board certified surgeon that you trust, are in good general health, and can afford to do it, then GO AHEAD!! Age doesn't matter. The only one who has to be happy with you is you

Why is it that Doctors/women rave about saline implants but forget to tell you that the casing of the implant is SILICONE!?!
I had them (saline) put in when I was 30yrs young, within 6 months I lost my memory, my ability to work and I was in physical pain all day, everyday. This went on for three years. I was told that my illness could not be because of the implants. I was then told that I had fibromyalgia, an auto immune disorder, and that I would never get better. I had a gut feeling that the implants had made me sick, so I had them removed, within 4 hours of having them removed I was 85% better. It took a few years to become mostly pain-free. My memory has not yet fully returned and it has been 5yrs since the removal. (Also, I had to pay another three thousand dollars to have them removed)
Please start talking about the harm implants can still do. After all, they are still silicone shells.

As a mammography technolgist I have heard some things (more times than I can count) from patients, who have implants:

1. "Nobody told me I would have to get extra images taken, when my mammogram is done". We have to take all 4 views of a routine mammogram essentially twice!! One time is to see the implant in place in the breast, and the second set of images is taken with the implant DISPLACED (moved) back, so the actual breast tissue can be seen as well as possible.

2. "Nobody told me about the creases in my shoulders, from the extra weight in the bra". (possible shoulder, neck and back pain can result)

3. In many breast imaging centers, your mammogram appointment will take longer. This is because your exam is considered a diagnostic workup and your images must be reviewed by the radiologist before you can leave.

4. There is a risk (all be it a VERY SLIGHT) of implant rupture when a mammogram is done. All mammographers imaging patients with implants are specially trained in this imaging technique, but there is still a slight risk.

I realize women get implants for all sorts of reasons, but I thought you would like to hear some of the "rest of the story."