Question about getting breast implants at 21?

Question

Hello, I am a 21-year-old female. I was told that if I were to get implants and they ruptured, insurance would not kick in because I'm underage. My big question would be: if I were to get implants at 21 and they ruptured later in life (say age 30), would insurance kick in, or would insurance not kick in because I got my implants under the age of 22? Additionally, would you recommend I wait until I'm 22 to get implants?

Charles Chalekson, MD · Answer

All insurance plans are different and your insurance will likely change between now and when you have an issue with your implants. But to be on the safe side, you should ask your current insurance company about coverage of cosmetic surgery issues. If you have any questions about whether implants are right for you, you might choose to wait a year to make sure you still want them. Make sure your doctor reviews all potential risks and that you have given a lot of thought to your desired breast size. Once you are well informed and still want them, it should be an enjoyable experience at 21 or 22.

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

My personal philosophy is not to consider insurance able to provide coverage for anything that was performed for aesthetic/cosmetic reasons initially. All of the 3 major implant companies in the United States have warranties for their respective breast implant devices related to rupture. I would have a conversation with the plastic surgeon that is going to perform your breast augmentation procedure regarding the postoperative period including management of a ruptured implant.

Kerry Owens, MD · Answer

Determing the best age at which to undergo breast augmentation is an individual assessment that each patient needs to make after consulting with their surgeon.  The reason that you have been told 22 is that the FDA approval for silicone implants is in women over the age of 22 for a variety of mostly political reasons.  In general, if you are fully matured (meaning the breasts are stable in size for at least a year), not currently pregnant or nursing, have no active infections, and are cancer free, you may be considered a candidate for breast augmentation.  Full consultation will address other relative contraindications and individual considerations of risk.  In my experience, insurance rarely covers treatment of a rupture regardless of the age at which the initial surgery was done.  In some rare instances with earlier generation implants, there is such a significant capsular contracture or calcification that insurance has covered the removal of the implants only, but again this is not common.  Most implant companies offer warranty coverage that includes replacement of the implant devices and some amount of money toward the surgery required if a rupture occurs, so it is worth looking into your options for that.
If you are confused by the information provided at your initial consultation or feel your questions are unanswered, it is always worth seeking a second opinion.  I hope this helps!

Georges J. Samaha, MD · Answer

Hi, silicone implants are only FDA approved for 22 and above. Saline implants 18 and above. You can still have silicone implants placed if you are younger then 22, however your insurance would be voided. Meaning in case your implants are ruptured, the implant company will not cover the expense to exchange them. My advice is to wait until you are 22 years old. Hope this helps. Goodluck.

Brandon Richland, MD · Answer

Dear Friendly,
Thank you for your question. Silicone implants are only FDA approved fo cosmetic use in patients aged 22 yo or greater, or any age for reconstruction. Saline implants are FDA approved for cosmetic use in patients aged 18 or greater. You are correct, you would not qualify for silicone implant insurance based on your age. You may want to wait until you are 22 years old if you are interested in silicone implants. I recommend you see a board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in breast surgery and breast augmentations.

Aaron Gilson, DO · Answer

Hi, 
Per the FDA, silicone gel-filled breast implants are approved for breast augmentation in women age 22 or older and for breast reconstruction in women of any age. While your medical insurance may cover some silicone ruptures, it is highly dependent on your insurance company and to be safe, I would not count on coverage. Additionally, depending on the implant manufacturer, most implants have warranties that can assist with the cost of new implants or even a portion of the surgery in the event of complications within the time frame of the warranty. If you're concerned about rupture, saline implants offer the benefit of demonstrating a rupture without the need for implant screening and can be done at age 18. However, if you want silicone implants, waiting another year will be your best bet.

Jeffrey Lisiecki, MD · Answer

Silicone breast implants are only FDA approved for patients 22 years and older, so some aspects of the manufacturers warranty may not cover you if they were placed before you turn 22, because this is considered "off label" use of the devices.  You would have to check the specific warranties to see what would and would not be covered depending on the brand of the device etc.  Saline breast implants are approved for patients 18 and older, so if you want to proceed now, you could have surgery with saline implants, or if you want silicone, you can wait until you turn 22.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I recommend an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and be measured. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size breast implants. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon's experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Friendly381015,
you can get saline implants if you are under 22. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Mario J. Samaha, MD · Answer

Hello,
In the United States, silicone breast implants are approved for above 22 years of age. Under 22, it is recommended to place saline implants. If you place silicone implants under 22, then yes the warranty is voided with most of the companies as the implants would be used as "off label". Saline implants should be under warranty. If you really want silicone implants, then it would be fair to wait an additional year prior to getting your breast augmentation. Hope this helps.Always make sure to discuss all your questions with your plastic surgeon during your consultation.

Question about getting breast implants at 21?

Answers (19)

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