I'm 21 years old and want silicone implants. Can I get them if I have a signed waiver?

Question

I live in vegas.. And I'm thinking of getting BA. I've always wanted silicone and I turned 21 in feb. IS IT OR IS IT NOT true that you CAN get silicone if you sign a waiver? If so does anyone have any recommendations for PS In Las Vegas that would do this?

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

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

William T. Stoeckel, MD · Answer

You certainly can get the implants, but the warrantee for the implants will not be recognized if you are not 22 years or older. I personally think that they are safe to use in patients that are 21, but the FDA only has data to support their approval in patients that are 22 and over.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Check with the manufacturer of the implant that the implants are still warrantied.  The short answer is yes, you can have them, but this may be a downside of using them off label.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Lane Smith, MD · Answer

Thank you so much for your question.  I understand how hard it is to be 21 and waiting for something one more year seems like an eternity.  Unfortunately, it is in your best interest to wait.  Unless there is some underlying medical condition that exists.  It is in your best interest to consult with a plastic surgeon who is board certified and discuss all options in detail.  During that discussion you should investigate different implants not only style but make and model.  This decision is a big one and education is key.  Take your time get all your questions answered satisfactorily then the time between 21 and 22 will decrease significantly. Good Luck.All the best,Dr. Lane Smith

Eugene Kim, MD · Answer

Silicone implants are approved for patients 22 years old and later.  They can be placed at a younger age for cosmetic purposes as an off-label use which may void your warranty on the implants.  I recommend having a more detailed discussion with a plastic surgeon.

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, and the attached link, helps.

Kamakshi Zeidler, MD · Answer

The FDA approved silicone breast implants in 2006 for use in patients undergoing breast reconstruction at any age and in patients undergoing breast augmentation age 22 and older. Their rationale is considered arbitrary by many plastic surgeons, but is designed much like legal drinking age - people should be old enough to make good decisions. Practically, you should consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Some surgeons follow the FDA guidelines and some surgeons will allow you to sign a waiver that the silicone implants will be used "off label" meaning outside the scope of what is approved by the FDA. In either situation, you should have a clear understanding of the benefits and risks of each of your options. All three breast implant manufacturers in the United States (Sientra, Allergan, and Mentor) offer various warrantee plans which can provide a new implant at no cost to you if there is a premature rupture (all three manufacturers), or in some cases for the development of early capsular contracture (Sientra). These warrantees often include some form of financial support for the cost of another surgery. Be sure to ask your surgeon if you will qualify for these warrantee programs if the silicone implants are used "off label." The warrantee plans are a significant benefit in the event that you need another operation.

Burr von Maur, MD · Answer

You can get silicone implants if you sign a waiver for off label use but there is no certainty that the manufacturer will guarantee a warranty. All current silicone implants are cohesive gel but no implant is guaranteed for life.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

You can get them and your surgeon would be using them 'off label'.  Please check with your surgeon to make sure the implant manufacturer will still honor the warranty.  Most will since they realize the absurdity of what the government did by having this arbitrary age restriction but get it in writing before having surgery.

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

Yes, all that is really required of you for being under 21 is that you understand using silicone implants in a patient under 22 is off label use. The FDA recommends that patients under 22 do not have silicone implants. For that we have patients in our office under 22 sign a waiver acknowledging that it is off label use in them.

I'm 21 years old and want silicone implants. Can I get them if I have a signed waiver?

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