I'm 17. Am I old enough to get breast implants? (Photo)

In the last decade, I have an increasing number of young women in the age range of 17-19 who are interested in a breast enlargement with implants.  Your photo shows you have minimal breast development.  Although, it is true that breasts may develop late, and certainly into the early 20's, my experience has been that women like you often continue with very small breasts, especially if you have a family history of a smaller size.  Therefore, I do think it may be appropriate and certainly safe to have a breast augmentation at 17 or 19.  You would need to be emotionally and physically mature, in good health, and also realize that having breast implants is not a one time thing, as you will certainly need future surgery years later to replace the implants as they age.  Breast implants are not permanent, and even though the average lifespan may be around 20 years, you are young enough that you will need to have further surgery later in life.  It would be best for you to have a thorough consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon, and make sure that you fully understand all the information being discussed about breast implants and enlargement.

Hi and thanks for your question. Although not the norm, a breast augmentation can be done on a 17 year old as long as parental consent is obtained. Many feel that given more time the breast will grow and suggest waitng. However, it's been my personal experience that young women like your self will not continue to grow.I am certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and have practiced in the"land of breast implants", Miami, for the past 29 years. I encourage you to look up the surgeon you eventually select and make sure they have years of experience in performing cosmetic breast surgery. Furthermore request to see before and after photos of previous patients by that doctor....not a clinic or surgery center. Do your homework......research and verify the doctor's credentials. Have they had problems with the Board of Medicine, disciplinary or otherwise. Any law suits?How about the center, clinic or facility? Are they accredited by a national organization or do they just have State approval. Understand that at the current time, there are three nationally recognized organizations responsible for the highest levels of patient safety, AAAASF, AAACH and JCHO. You owe it to yourself to position yourself for the best possible results but under the most stringent safety regulations, If you have kids, even more so.How about anesthesia? Will you have a medical doctor certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology or a certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA)? Understand that there is no substitute for research. Cosmetic surgery, no matter how simple it may be to the patients, are invasive procedures and as such carry certain risks and complications.I wish you the best on your journey. I hope that the info provided has been helpful. I would also encourage you to discuss it with your parents, particularly your mom. Moms have a better understanding of what you may be going through. There is no other operation in cosmetic surgery that enhances a woman's sefl-esteem more than a breast augmentation. Should you require any further clarification, do not hesitate to contact our institute. I answer all questions personally, not through patient coordinators or other marketing individuals.In our office we use TouchMD which is a web based program in which patients have the ability to load their picture unto the program. I then evaluate them and can actually draw on the picture to show a potential patient where the incisions would be located and how the procedure is to be realized. It's all done to comply with HIPPA which is the federal law that protects the patient's medical information. Look them up. Good luck Dr PG