If I'm 18 and I go to Canada to get silicone breast implants there instead of the US, would that be okay?

Question

I know that silicone implants under 22 is considered off label use of them and will likely void the warranty, but I read that Canada does not have age restrictions on silicone implants. So could I drive to Canada and have the surgery done and return to the US and still have a warranty on the implants?

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. You have to be older than 18 years old. If you’re an older than 18; you’re a good candidate for breast augmentation. I wish you all the best.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

You should make sure that your plastic surgeon is board certified as it is not the technique that matters but the surgeon!You do not want to have to undergo any additional stress or post op pain than necessary. Here are your options if you are less than 22 years of age: There are two great options to consider: 1. IDEAL implants - these are newly released "hybrid implants" double lumen saline implants made to feel like silicone2. I will place silicone implants in patients under 22 yrs old but first have an informed consent and have them sign a waiver that they are aware that they are being used in  "off label' FDA use. #IDEALimplants#breastaugmentation#breastimplants

Joubin Gabbay, MD · Answer

Many plastic surgeons feel that the restriction of silicone breast augmentation to women older than 22 years is arbitrary and unfair. There is no great scientific evidence pointing to any increased risk in the use of silicone implants in younger women. For that reason many plastic surgeons in the United States absolutely perform silicone breast augmentation on women younger than 22. I have had discussions with implant manufacturing representatives who confirmed that their warranties are not invalid for patients under 22. I feel that medical tourism can carry with it some risks that are lessened by having surgery performed in the United States, near your home. I strongly recommend that you seek a surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and have an honest discussion about the use of silicone implants. I think you will be pleasantly surprised that it is much more accessible than you think. I wish you the best!

Lawrence Scott Ennis, MD, FACS · Answer

Silicone is very frequently used here in the US on women under the age of 22. It is considered an "off label" use of the product and is done all of the time with many types of medication.  I suspect you would not have any trouble at all finding a surgeon to perform your augmentation here in the sates with silicone implants.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

In my opinion, there is no good reason why there is an FDA  mandated age of 22 for patients to receive silicone breast implants. There are many patients under the age of 22 who would ( based on their body type and the advantages of silicone breast implants) benefit from the use of silicone gel breast implants. Therefore, I find that I DO use silicone gel breast implants for patients under the age of 22 frequently. Also, I do NOT know of any “language” in the warranty (from the company that I use most) that references patient's age and the coverage provided. I hope this helps.

Bruce K. Barach, MD (retired) · Answer

I'm not sure if what you say about the "rules" in Canada is correct, but medical "tourism" is always a risk should you run into any problems or complications. Canada is probably a 4 hour trip and if you had to make many trips for treatment of a problem, i imagine  it would not be a very good situation. Being available for any needed followup visits is important during the early postop period.

If I'm 18 and I go to Canada to get silicone breast implants there instead of the US, would that be okay?

Answers (6)

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