Recommended Age for Breast Augmentation?

As discussed in other answers, for cosmetic breast augmentation (not breast reconstruction such as asymmetric breasts) you must be 18 yrs old for saline implants. The FDA has approved the use of silicone implants, but you must be 22 yrs old. So now as an adult, you have an important decision and should evaluate all the options. If you do not have a lot of breast tissue, silicone implants generally give a softer more natural look.
Silcone implants have undergone intense study and have been proven to be safe. You need to discuss all of the risks and benefits of each of these devices with your surgeon. But you need to decide if it is worth it to you to wait 4 years before undergoing the procedure? Also understand that breast implants are not a lifelong device. As you get older, your breasts continue to undergo the aging process. So it is very likely that you will need an exchange of the implants, with or without a breast lift.
There is no correct answer. The most important thing is that you get all the information and feel good about your decision. Maybe you can even educate your family and friends and they will feel better as well. Good luck.

Thanks for your question!
You are the only one that can answer your question. Many 18 year old women have this surgery. Schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Best wishes!

Thank you for your question. At age 18, you are eligible to have breast augmentation surgery using saline implants; however, if you want silicone implants, the age requirement is 22. In both cases, augmentation will depend on if your breasts have stopped growing. The type of implant you choose is important, and the differences between saline and silicone implants can be significant. My recommendation would be to schedule a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in breast augmentation procedures. They can examine you and offer advice about which type of implant you may want, as well as whether you should wait a bit before undergoing the surgery. Best, Dr. Verbin

Thank you for your question. As an 18 y.o., you are eligible to undergo saline implant breast augmentation. To undergo a breast augmentation with silicone breast implants, you must 22+. I generally recommend silicone breast implants to my patients, because they feel softer and look more natural. In addition, saline implants are at a higher risk of rippling or wrinkles.However, breast development can continue well into a woman's early 20's, so you may want to wait to be certain that your breast development has concluded.Good luck, and for more information about other choices to be made before undergoing breast augmentation, take a look at the Guide to Breast Augmentation on my website from the web reference below. I discuss common patient questions I receive, silicone versus saline implants, round versus anatomically shaped implants, smooth versus texturized implants, implant manufacturer, implant insertion incision location, implant location inside the breast, and more. 

A number of variables should be considered when determining the appropriate age for breast augmentation surgery.As a general rule, it’s important for patients to reach both physical and emotional maturity before proceeding with surgery.you need to assess if your breasts have actually stopped developing and it would be wise to discuss this sort of decision with your family and close friends

Several variables should be considered when determining the
appropriate age for breast augmentation surgery.As a general rule, it’s important for
patients to reach both physical and emotional maturity before proceeding with
surgery.In addition, it’s also
important to follow the guidelines established by the FDA whenever possible. Physical
maturity is important because operating on the breasts before growth has
stabilized can adversely impact the surgical result.Emotional maturity is also extremely important.It’s very important that younger patients
understand the significance of their decision and how it may potentially affect
their lives. It’s
also important to follow current FDA guidelines.The FDA recommends that saline implants not
be used in women under 18 years of age for cosmetic purposes.In contrast, they recommend that silicone
implants not be used in patients under 22 years of age.Each
patient’s situation is unique and several factors may alter these numbers.In younger patients with congenital breast
deformities or post traumatic deformities, surgery may be indicated at an
earlier age.If
you’re considering breast augmentation and are younger than 19, it’s important
to first discuss the issue with your parents.If everyone agrees that breast augmentation is an option, consultation
with a board certified plastic surgeon would be appropriate.The vast majority of patients who undergo
breast augmentation at this age report high levels of satisfaction.