I'm interested in the gummy bear implant but I'm 20. Do you have to be 22 to get implants?

Question

I'm interested in the gummy bear implant but I'm 20. I heard you have to be 22. If that's true can I get my parents to sign and say yes for me or will I have to wait

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

There are two great options to consider: 1. IDEAL implants - these are newly released "hybrid implants" double lumen saline implants made to feel like silicone2. I will place silicone implants in patients under 22 yrs old but first have an informed consent and have them sign a waiver that they are aware that they are being used in  "off label' FDA use. #IDEALimplants#breastaugmentation#breastimplants

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

The FDA does say that you need to be 22, that being said you could have it done in Canada or you could have a surgeon petition for you!

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear Kelli,   Once you pass the age of 18, you reached adulthood ( congrats ) and you can make those decisions by yourself without a need for parental consent . I would like you though, to reconsider the gummy bear ( cohesive ) implants for saline implants due to the following reasons : 1. 1/3 of the cost. 2. Small incision under the areola for saline implants which is favorable for scar while gummy bear implants require long incision in the sub mammary crease, which is unfaforable for scar. 3. Incision under the areola allows easier dissection of the pocket and consequently nicer cleavage and better crease position. 4. Gummy bear implants feel harder. Always, consult with board certified plastic surgeons and check their before and after pictures to make sure that you like their results.            Best of luck,                                    Dr Widder

Michael E. Decherd, MD, FACS · Answer

I used to tell people in your situation that they had to wait until age 22....and then I changed my mind.  As long as the product is FDA-approved, any other use of it is considered off-label.  Off-label is not necesarily wrong, it's just not on the approved indication list.  For example, Botox was approved for use between the eyebrows, but we commonly used it on the crow's feet.  Fast-forward and now there an "on-label" indication for crow's feet.  but for years that area was an off-label use.  We also commonly treat infections with antibiotics that were approved for one use but are commonly used for another.Does anything change physiologically from when you are 20 until you are 22?  Not much.  Are you a legal adult?  Yes.  So I have an informed consent document that states very clearly that saline is available to you, that silicone is off-label, etc.  And if a 20-year old want to do silicone, I am OK with that.  As long as you are aware of the off-label situation.i understand that not everyone does it that way, but it makes sense to me.

Jeffrey Rockmore, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, silicone implants are only available for women 22 or older for cosmetic indications. This is the criteria set by the FDA upon its initial approval of gel implants and extends to both the cohesive gel and form stable (gummy bear) implants. These implants are only able to be used in younger women in reconstructive cases.Your options are either to use a saline implant or to wait until you are 22.Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.Jeff Rockmore

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

The most important choice is not silicone.  It is whether the devices are appropriate.    Behind the muscle saline divides are very good options for someone in your position.In breast augmentation I have chosen to spend time reviewing
photographs with patients to fully understand their expectation of size and
shape.  Many times this simply raises
more questions.  I will make measurements
and use the implant guides to allow the patient to understand exactly the sizes
that are reasonable for their body type and measurements.

Please find an experienced Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
and member of the Aesthetic Society using the Smart Beauty Guide.  These Plastic Surgeons can guide you on all
aspects of facial surgery, breast augmentation and body procedures including
tummy tucks or mommy makeovers!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

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. Unfortunately, the use of these implants for these younger patients will negate the breast implant manufacturer warranty.I hope this, and the attached link, helps.

Jeremy Pyle, MD · Answer

Your decision to have "gummy bear implants" at 20 needs to be based on a very rational discussion with your surgeon.  There are advantages to each type of implant and, as it turns out, there is no such thing as a "gummy bear implant".  It sounds cool, and it is easy to remember, and it is frequently asked for but all silicone implants are cohesive, all sit like two halves of a gummy bear if cut in half and all are safe and reasonable choices. The discussion with your individual surgeon will help define not just what implants are available to you but why one would better for you and closer to your ideal. Keep searching until you find the doctor who hears what you say and helps you make your own decision. Gel implants are off label at your age but are sometimes used at younger than 22.Best,Dr. Pyle

Deborah Ekstrom, MD · Answer

You can have gel implants.  You will need to sign a long consent form that you have been made fully aware of the "risks".  You can fight in a war for your country at a younger age than 22 and  vote in elections at age 21 but not be trusted to make decisions about your own body until age 22!!Ridiculous, isn't it?  But there you have it.

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

The highly cohesive gels are labled by the FDA for use in reconstruction, and for cosmetic purpose over the age of 21 (22years). The gummy bear has a stiffer feel, and we prefer them for special indications. Before you hold out for them, be sure you understand why they might be the ideal choice for you.

I'm interested in the gummy bear implant but I'm 20. Do you have to be 22 to get implants?

Answers (13)

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