Although I am 18 years old am I still eligible for silicone implants?

Thank you for the question.
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. Best wishes.

The FDA has only approved silicone gel implants for patients over the age of 22. That being said, I have not seen any evidence that silicone implants are more dangerous or less appropriate for many patients that are a bit younger. It is my understanding that the studies used by the implant manufacturers and the FDA to bring the implants back to the cosmetic market did not include patients under the age of 22. I tell my younger patients that choosing a silicone implant when younger than 22 will negate the manufacturers warranty. This to me is the biggest issue. Most patients do not end up having problems with their implants and rarely need the warranty, but every once in a while, it does become useful. I would probably recommend using a saline implant first, even though the silicone is probably completely safe and appropriate, and have plans to change your implants to silicone whenever you end up "switching them out".

While saline and silicone are equally safe, there are many differences between the two. The most salient point for you is with regards to the FDA recommendations. The FDA recommends silicone implants for patients 22 years or older while saline implants are recommended for patients 18 years or older. The recommendations are based on the demographics of the initial study populations. Silicone implants can "technically" be used in patients younger than 22, however, "off label" use can void warranties. In all reality, that is likely the most significant risk you would face in violating the FDA recommendations.
Other differences include:
-The "feel"- silicone is more natural
-The "look"- silicone is less prone to rippling
-The "cost"- silicone is more expensive
-Access incisions- saline can be placed through a smaller incision as they are empty at the time of placement
-Customization-Silicone implants are pre-filled to a particular volume. Saline can be adjusted on the table within a recommended range.
-Monitoring-Saline implants, if ruptured, will deflate and the saline fill will be absorbed. Silicone implants require surveillance MRI's at 3 years and every 2 years after.
In my experience, patients prefer silicone devices for the more natural feel and the decreased incidence of rippling. In reference to your specific question, at your age use of silicone implants would be off label. While this does not mean that it is unsafe, it would like nullify any warranty or guarantees associated with the device.
Your board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS) should be able to help you select an implant type/size that satisfies your goals.