Can I get silicone breast implants at 18? If so, who can do this type of surgery for me? And how much?

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.
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.
With regards to your particular question, BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma) has recently risen to media prominence. It is exceedingly rare and is generally associated with textured silicone devices. Patients should remember this is not a "cause and effect" relationship. There have been no reported incidences with a smooth device in the literature.
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.

Hello, silicone implants are considered "off-label" for patients under age 18.  It's important to understand the implications on the implant warranty, which you can discuss with your surgeon.  The cost of implants varies widely so it's best to ask the surgeons in your region.

Thanks for your question!  You can get silicone implants at age 18; however, you are voiding the warranty by doing so.  Patients of mine go about 50/50 on this one because the warranty does have some huge benefits.  However, if you are set on silicone, then that is your answer.  Keep in mind though that you should consider replacing every 8-10 years as it is so if you did saline now, you could have silicone (and a warranty) by age 30.  Good luck!

Thanks for your question. There are many doctors that would be willing to use silicone implants "off-label" for someone of your age. I would call offices of Board Certified Plastic Surgeons in your area and ask that question specifically. Best of luck!

This is an interesting question, since the FDA approved silicone implants for ages 22 and older. It doesn't mean that you can't use silicone in someone younger, but it is considered an off label use of the implant. I would be happy to see you for a thorough consultation and answer all your questions regarding implants. The cost for a silicone augmentation is approximately $5,900 which includes the surgeon's fee and the implants, anesthesia fees and facility fees. This also includes all follow up visits. Hope to see you soon! 

Thank you for your question. Please have an in-person examination with a board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic breast procedures. Ask to see a lot of before and after photos of what can be achieved with implants. Hope this helps and good luck.

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.  When it comes to cost of surgery, there may be many “variables” involved. The specific surgeon's credentials/experience level (or lack thereof), the specific geographic area you are looking at, the different operations available, the location of the procedure ( quality of surgery facility), type/quality of anesthesia provider, type of breast implants… are some of the potential variables involved. You will find average costs of surgery listed on this website, and on individual plastic surgeon's websites as well.
 
In regards to outcome of the planned procedure, more important than costs of the procedures will be careful selection of your plastic surgeon. I would suggest starting with the American Society of Plastic Surgery and/or the Aesthetic Society of Plastic Surgery to obtain a list of well experienced board-certified plastic surgeons. Then, I would suggest you visit a few surgeons whose practices concentrate on aesthetic surgery. ***Ask to SEE lots of examples of their work AND preferably speak/see patients who have had similar procedures done. Be very careful with your decision-making. You will find, while doing your due diligence, that there are many different “specialties” who will offer their services to you; again, I strongly recommend you concentrate on surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  
 
I hope this, and the attached link (dedicated to breast augmentation concerns), helps. Best wishes.

The simple answer is YES so go on some complimentary consultations with experts, look at photos of similar patients and compare recommendations and fees and find your surgeonDr Corbin