Silicone in a Woman Under 22? (photo)

I'm 20. I have moderate breast asymmetry of one cup size difference (A vs. B cup). I want to correct this but saline feels unnatural to me and I don't want to end up feeling worse about my body. I consulted with a surgeon who said they would need a 100cc implant in the smaller one but it was impossible to order an implant in either saline/silicone of that size. Is this true? Also, can I get silicone because this is more corrective and not a basic augmentation? Do I need 2 implants for sure?

Tags:

Comment on this

8 Doctor Answers | Asked by Sleepless in Turquoise in Palm Beach, Florida

Doctor Answers (8)
Community Comments (0)

Of course you can have silicone implants!

First of all, you should understand that you don't "need" to be judged "severely asymmetrical" in order to receive silicone gel implants. Silicone implants under the age of 22 are perfectly legal and appropriate for patients who have fully informed consent, and understand that use of silicone implants under the age of 22 is considered "off-label" by the FDA. Off-label use is something that every doctor does frequently, when a medication is prescribed for another reason than the... more

Moderate asymmetry and the use of silicone under 22 years of age.

Moderate asymmetry is a common condition in breast surgery. If you are happy with the current size of your right breast, then implant correction alone of the left may be considered reconstructive, although insurance clearance may be difficult. Silicone implants are not approved in cosmetic cases for women under the age of 22. However, if determined to be reconstructive in nature by your plastic surgeon then the use of silicone is acceptable. Other options include adjustable... more

David Bogue, MD

6 reviews

Boca Raton Plastic Surgeon

www.drbogue.com

Silicone, saline, or fat

Hello, Most plastic surgeons and patients would describe your asymmetry as moderate. Your options are as you have stated to have the smaller one filled or to have both of them filled asymmetrically. The "filling" options include saline implants, silicone implants, and fat grafting. You like the size of your larger breast and would like to maintain that size you may want to entertain the idea of fat grafting to the smaller breast. Just like silicone in patients... more

Options in breast augmentation foe assymetry

You can have silicone implants fully understanding that the FDA approval is for 22 years and older and the fact that the warranty becomes void. Having said that, I think you are discounting saline implants. If you dont desire a large size and they are filled appropriately, they are the better choice for you. You can address assymetry better with saline implants as they are adjustable. Moreover, they can be placed though the belly button without any scars. Another option that you may be a... more

Silicone under age 22 is off-label use

Hi there- I completely agree with my colleague from Minneapolis. While the FDA recommends that silicone only be used in women over age 22, there is nothing illegal or wrong about it being used in properly informed, appropriate candidates between ages 18 and 22 if after careful discussions this is their preference. It would simply be considered "off-label" use of the implant. Physicians use medications "off-label" all the time. The simplest example is Botox- which is truly... more

Silicone under 22

The FDA recommends the use of silicone implants in women over 22. I adhere to that recommendation. If you want to wait to have silicone that is fine.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Silicone in a Woman Under 22

I would recommend an adjustable saline implant on your left side This will allow you to accurately determine the correct size for symmetry Your breasts may also grow further in the next year so you can adjust the volume It is always possible to later convert to gel if you want,but at least you will know what the correct size is

Silicone breast implants under 22

The FDA allows silicone gel filled implants for women under 22 to correct severe breast asymmetry...the definition of severe should be determined by your plastic surgeon and you...there are silicone gel implants of 125 cc...this is only 1/2 a shot glass larger than 100 cc.