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Recommended Age for Breast Augmentation?

asked 3 years ago by Dana31xo in United States
Latest answer by Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Question viewed 1,112 times
Tags: age 18-24, candidate, teenager

I just turned 18 and would love to get Breast implants before college because I am a nearly an A at this point and the rest of my body is not small so I am disproportional.

I am about 5'6 and 128 lbs. I am very active and work hard on my figure but feel I will never be fully satisfied unless I get a breast augmentation. My family members and friends are unsure of the surgery; however, I know that this is absolutely the right decision for me.

15 answers to Recommended Age for Breast Augmentation?

+1

Age requirements or restrictions for breast implant augmentation

In most cases, the FDA recommends the use of saline filled breast implants for cosmetic breast augmentaton in patients age 18 and over unless required for breast reconstruction. Silicone implants are reserved for those 22 years of age and older.
Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Right age for breast augmentation

I have seen women ranging from the teenage years to well in their forties considering breast augmentation. The general rule of thumb is patients should be emotionally mature and be aware and understand the risks and benefits in the short and long-term regarding breast augmentation. The guidelines state that patients should wait until 18 years of age until undergoing breast augmentation, but they can only have saline implants placed. Patients wanted silicone breast implants have to wait... more
Ankit Desai, MD

Jacksonville Plastic Surgeon
+1

Make an informed decision on 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... more
Scott J. Engel, MD

Sarasota Plastic Surgeon
+1

18 for Saline, 22 for Silicone

You must be a consenting adult which is age 18. For a saline augmentation the recommenced age is 18. For silicone the age is 22. If you are currently an A cup I recommend silicone implants as you won't have enough overlying breast tissue to make the saline feel as nice. Be sure your surgeon really educates you on all of the incision, implant and placement options as well as all risks and complications and what medications are used postoperatively (I use Valium to relax the muscle and... more
Christopher L. Hess, MD

Fairfax Plastic Surgeon

www.hessplasticsurgery.com

+1

Many important decisions must be made concerning breast augmentation

The decision to have a breast augmentation will effect you for the rest of your life. There are many important decisions that go into determining when is the correct age for this procedure. If your breast grow has been stable for over one year then physically you may be a good candidate for the procedure. Your next step would be to have a consultation with a plastic surgeon. During this process a determination will be made to be certain you are an appropriate candidate.... more
Jeffrey Zwiren, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon
+1

ASPS

The guidelines for elective breast augmentation for cosmetic reasons is 18.  This is a great operation, but it is real surgery with risks as well as benefits.  Ultimately, do your homework, make your decision, and do what is right for you. sek
Scott E. Kasden, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast augmentation at 18 issues

Technically, you can have a saline breast augmentation at age 18 if your breasts have stopped developing and if you are a very mature person emotionally.  You should visit 2 or 3 excellent plastic surgeons in your area and discuss all of the issues involved.   
Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon
+1

18 years old is youngest for cosmetic, not reconstructive surgery

At 18 you can have breast implants but as has been pointed out, it is hard to know what changes your breast will go through with weight change, etc. Also realize that the FDA has approved silicone implants for women 22 and older therefore silicone in a woman under 18 is considered off label use and, in fact, the company state they will void the warranty of a silicone implant if it is used in a woman under 22.... If you are serious then you should schedule a consultation with a local plastic more
Michael C. Edwards, MD

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon

www.medwardsmd.com

+1

Breast Implants

At 18 years of age, you can certainly have breast implants. The key is to make sure your breasts are fully developed at this point. At 18 yrs of age most women have finished their breast development. But if you tell me that my breasts are still growing then I would say you would need to wait. From the sound of it, you have stopped developing. I would recommend you see a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Good luck.
Farbod Esmailian, MD

Orange County Plastic Surgeon
+1

You can have breast augmentation at 18, if your breasts have not changed in 2 years.

Hi! It's perfectly OK to have a breast augmentation at age 18 for someone like you, as long as your breasts are not still growing. You would have to have saline breast implants, because the FDA has not approved silicone breast implants for women younger than 22.  Saline implants are fine.
George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Breast implants and correct age.

 If you are 18 it becomes a matter of choice.  If you make an educated informed decision to have implants  then I think it is OK..  Of course, you are not old enough to have gel implants.  
Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon
+1

Great candidate

That seems you are a great candidate for breast augmentation/enhancement as far as you are knowledgeable what you want to achieve and make your body more proportionate. I would advise to use all means to communicate with your surgeon about the size of your implant and consequent breast size. Make sure you are the only one making decision for the ultimate size. I have seen young girls that have been driven by friends, family, media or significant others for above decision and made them not... more
M. Ryan Khosravi, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
+1

Emotional and physiological age important

It sounds as if you are a good candidate for breast augmentation as far as knowing what makes you happy and what doesn't and that your breasts are significantly, and disproportionately, small that augmentation would be a reasonable, if not only, solution. The only thing missing in this equation is your knowledge of the potential and real risks of the procedure. You will have to be advised of these significant risks that will not end until you ever have the implants removed. Some patients, I... more
Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon
+1

This does represent a permanent change in your body

Many women decide to make a positive change in their appearance with a breast augmentation. Most frequently this is a very positive change and leads to enhanced self esteem and confidence. Breast enhancement is not a cure for emotional issues and lack of self confidence. At eighteen years of age most women are a bit insecure about body image. I have performed many breast augmentations on young women in their teens with much success. They are frequently accompanied by their parent(s). In... more
Talmage J. Raine, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon
+1

Appropriate age for Breast Augmentation

Hi there- By age 18, most young women have reached the appropriate level of emotional maturity required to successfully undergo a breast augmentation procedure. Concerns arise when these types of procedures are performed in younger women and girls who may not completely understand the long term implications of the procedure and may therefore regret proceeding. It is very important that you spend some time "doing your homework"- read as much as possible about the procedure and your... more
Armando Soto, MD

Orlando Plastic Surgeon

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