Can someone under 22 still get silicone breast implants?

The FDA has recommendations (age guidelines) for the use of saline and silicone implants. These recommendations state that saline implants can be safely used in patients 18 years or older and 22 years or older in the case of silicone. These recommendations are not law and are based upon the age of patient populations which were studied in initially evaluating the safety of the devices.
With regards to your specific question, patients younger than 22 commonly choose silicone implants. This is safe. However, by doing so they are acknowledging an "off-label" usage which may void warranties in the unlikely event of an issue. The warranty will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. However, they will typically cover the cost of device replacement in the event of a failure.I regularly use silicone implants in patients younger than 22.
As always, consult with your board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

The reason for the age limitation on silicone breast implants is that FDA studies did not include people under age 22.  There are a few exceptions to this, but this is best assessed by your surgeon.  If you really like the features of a silicone gel implant, you may want to consider a relatively new type of saline implant that has a very similar feel to gel implants with some of the appealing features of saline implants called “ideal implant”.  When it is implanted, it has a very similar feel to a silicone gel implant.

hello thank you for your question and provided information as well ... based on your question with 18 years you can get a plastic surgery, but the case without photos is difficult to avoid my recommendation is that you are consulted in person by a certified plastic surgeon who sees and determine to what you apply.

Hi Violet4526,

The two main types of implants are silicone and saline. The shell of the implants can be either textured (which reduces capsular contracture) or smooth. A textured implant sometimes requires a larger incision. The shape of the implant can be either round or tear drop shaped (gummy bear). Both have their advantages and disadvantages.

The different types of implant offer different pros and cons. For instance, the pros of silicone implants are that they look and feel more natural and ripple less.

On the other hand, the pros of saline implants are that they do not require as large of an incision as silicone, less expensive, they have less incidence of capsular contracture (scarring around the implant), one can tell immediately if there is a rupture, the size can be slightly adjusted, and they can be used for women less than 22 years of age.

Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS

Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery

Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

You can get silicone implants. Unfortunately since the studies were not done in enough women under age 22 to officially labeled them as safe devices in the United States for patients your age, the implant manufacturers cannot honor their normal warrantee on the implants. that’s it though. You just void your warranty. That means any future implants and revision costs would be your financial responsibility. 

The issue is the FDA and implants companies following guidelines. If you can find a PS to implant silicone before you are 22 years of age you most likely will NOT have the life time guarantees enforce. Something to think about. 

They are permitted for correction of congenital issues before the age of 22.  For straight forward breast augmentation, if the surgeon is ethical, they should not be used until the age of 22.

Thank you for your question. They can be still done but off label. Please consult with a board certified PS for evaluation.

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.    My best advice: select your plastic surgeon carefully. Make sure that he/she has significant experience achieving the types of outcomes you will be pleased with. Then, communicate your goals carefully, as well. Working together you will come up with a good plan to achieve your goals.  Best wishes.

I understand your frustration. However it is best to wait. You will be unable to obtain the excellent extended warranty if you have silicone before you are 22. Going to another country is not a good idea. You need a surgeon near you for proper follow up and US surgical standards