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

Question

I am 17 years of age, and I am an "A" cup, I was wondering if I am old enough to get breast implants, I've seen others girls get them who are my age??

Ozge Ergun, MD · Answer

Thanks for the question. You have to be older than 18 years old. If you’re an older than 18; you’re a good candidate for breast augmentation. I wish you all the best.

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question!  You must be 18 years old to undergo cosmetic surgery.  Find a double board certified plastic surgeon and have a consultation.  Best of luck!Dr Dhaval PatelDouble Board Certified Plastic SurgeonChicago Hoffman Estates Oak Brook

Paul Vitenas, Jr., MD · Answer

At
17, you are still a minor, and will require the permission of your parents to
undergo any surgical procedure.  I would
suggest a consultation with a Board Certified plastic surgeon and your parents
to determine whether or not you would be a good candidate for a breast
augmentation procedure.

Richard G. Schwartz, MD · Answer

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.

Adam Rubinstein, MD · Answer

It is true to say that FDA guidelines for breast implants recommend saline implants for women 18 years old and older, and silicone implants for women over the age of 22. Having said that, there are certainly women younger than 18 that are good candidates for breast augmentation. Often there is some element of asymmetry (two sides looking very different). In my practice, if a patient who is under 18 is a good candidate for surgery, has the support of her parents and appears to be making a well thought out decision, we do offer a procedure.I hope this helps!

Gary Lawton, MD, FACS · Answer

The age recommendations by the FDA do not preclude a younger person from getting implants, assuming the indications and consent are appropriate.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

It's very seldom that I perform a breast augmentation any woman less than 18 years of age. If the parents are convinced that this is in their child's best interests and the operation will be performed. Breast augmentation by the way is a reversible procedure.

Richard H. Fryer, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  The FDA has not approved saline breast implants until the age of 18.  You would need to wait until the age of 18 before moving forward with a breast augmentation.If you would like additional information regarding breast augmentation, you can download a free copy of my Breast Augmentation Planner.  This planner is full of valuable information and get you prepared for your breast augmentation once you reach the age of 18. You can download your copy of the planner at ABetterBreast.com.Best of luck to you.

Earl Stephenson, Jr., MD, DDS, MBA · Answer

Thank you for your picture. Have a 17 you can only get breast implants if you are an emancipated minor meaning that you live independently of your parents. If you are not emancipated, you have to have your parent's permission.

David Bogue, MD · Answer

Breast augmentation is typically reserved for women over the age of 18. There are several reasons for this:Breast development has often not completed until a woman is 18, 19 or even 20 years old. Having breast implants will cause permanent changes to the breast and it is important that the patient is emotionally ready to make this decision. The implants can always be removed of course, but depending on size, incision, etc. some changes may not be reversible.The FDA restricts the use of saline implants to women 18 years of age or over and silicone gel implants to women 22 years of age or over. An exception to this rule is in the case of breast reconstruction.The bottom line is that cosmetic surgery is still surgery. There are risks involved and some complications can be severe. Waiting an additional year before making this decision is wise and allows you time to see a multiple plastic surgeons to find out if this is truly what you want.

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

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