Transgender breast augmentation. Can I get silicone implants? (Photo)

Question

I want to get silicone implants, since they feel more natural and less like water balloons. I'm 18 and I don't plan on going any bigger than maybe a C. I'm 6'3", thin (but I have some breast tissue), and my chest is relatively small, if I do say so myself. I've read that I need to be 22 for silicone implants. Well, I'm graduated and I'm essentially an adult now that I work full time... so can I get silicone implants?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

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.In your case, based on your photograph, I think you are starting at a great starting point for breast augmentation surgery and should have a very nice outcome.

Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to transgender patients who are considering breast augmentation surgery ( regarding breast implant size/profile selection) is:

1. Concentrate on choosing your plastic surgeon carefully. Concentrate on appropriate training, certification, and the ability of the plastic surgeon to achieve the results you're looking for. ***Ask to see lots of examples of his/her work.

2. Have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining breast implant size/type/profile will most likely help achieve your goals.

In my practice, the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. For example, I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or "C or D cup” etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.

Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on him who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate.

3. Once you feel you have communicated your goals clearly, allow your plastic surgeon to use his/her years of experience/judgment to choose the breast implant size/profile that will best meet your goals. Again, in my practice, this decision is usually made during surgery.

I hope this (and the attached link, dedicated to transgender patient breast augmentation) helps.

Usha Rajagopal, MD · Answer

Yes, you can get silicone implants before the age of 22. This would be considered an off-label use of the silicone implants. The FDA has approved silicone implants at the age of 22 and up. So what that means is, if you get it at an age of below 22, the warranty of the implant is void. As far as safety, I would say that the silicone implant is as safe as it is in a 18 year old as it would be in an 22 year old.

James Fernau, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question and photographs.Seeing as it is just a recommendation by the FDA and listed in the directions for use by the implant manufacturers, it is simply up to the doctor’s discretion if they want to place silicone implants in a patient who is younger than 22. I would recommend finding a board certified plastic surgeon willing to perform this procedure on a patient younger than 22 and scheduling a consultation with them. Best of luck in your endeavors.Sincerely,

James Fernau, MD, FACSBoard Certified ENTBoard Certified Plastic SurgeryMember of ASPS, ASAPS, ISAPS, The Rhinoplasty Society, AAFPRS, OTO/HNS, ASLMS, International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics & Science

James Fernau, MD, FACSBoard Certified ENTBoard Certified Plastic SurgeryMember of ASPS, ASAPS, ISAPS, The Rhinoplasty Society, AAFPRS, OTO/HNS, ASLMS, International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics & Science

Transgender breast augmentation. Can I get silicone implants? (Photo)

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