Is 18 too early for a breast augmentation?

There is no hard and fast age limit for breast augmentation, as the reasons for breast augmentation may vary.  I recommend an in-office examination as well as a detailed discussion with a surgeon who you are comfortable with and who is a Double-Board Certified Plastic Surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Best wishes!

Dr. Desai

Thank you for your question. At the age of 18, you are not necessarily too young for a breast augmentation procedure. You being a good candidate will depend on if your breast tissue is fully developed. If so, the procedure can be safe and effective, providing long-lasting benefits. From your description, it does sound like breast implants could dramatically improve your confidence and self-esteem. My recommendation is that you visit with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area, who can then further explain your options for breast augmentation. After a physical examination, and a review of your medical history, he/she can determine if you are good candidate for breast implants at this stage. 

At 18, your breasts may still be developing. While you still could get your procedure performed, your results may be affected by the continuing development of your breasts. You may want to consider waiting until you’re about 21 or 22 before getting implants as a result. 

Hi Freyjabork.  It seems as though you have contemplated a breast augmentation for a long time and have put a lot of thought and consideration behind your question.  As you may find with the many answers your question will undoubtedly receive, there is no concrete answer for when exactly it becomes 'appropriate' for patients to elect to have a breast augmentation procedure.  Women, young and old, choose to have a breast augmentation at their respective ages for a variety of reasons.  Timing, personal schedule, medical history, health profile, finances, etc... can all contribute to when a patient finds the 'right time' for a cosmetic procedure.In the case of young women, under the age of 25 or so, I look to see that they have finished puberty, have had a stable breast size for at least 6-12 months, and have realistic expectations and goals in mind.  If all of these check out, you might be a great candidate for a breast augmentation even though you are only 18 years old.  Now, things to consider:I would caution young patients, such as yourself, from going too large on their implants as tastes tend to change based upon age and lifestyle.  I have seen many young women interested in achieving a full C or small D bust, who then come to me later on in life (after children or in their late 30s) wishing that they would have gone for that more natural mid C.  It is also true that pregnancy can change the shape, volume, and appearance of the female chest, so it is possible that in the future you may wish for or require another breast related procedure (potentially a breast lift or implant exchange).  Lastly, the FDA has only approved the use of silicone gel breast implants for patients 22 years of age and older.  Since you are 18, you are currently only eligible for saline breast implants in the absence of any breast defect that would warrant the off-label FDA use of silicone gel breast implants.It is true that a breast augmentation can be a huge self-esteem booster for some patients and when the procedure is well thought out it can be the right choice for some young women.  I would strongly recommend scheduling a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is well-experienced in a breast augmentation procedures.  I hope you find this helpful and I wish you the best.

It is not unreasonable to get a breast augmentation after turning 18, as long as your reasons and expectations are valid. I have performed breast augmentation surgery on 18 year old girls, but I insist upon at least 2 prior consultations to discuss all ramifications and to be sure each patient is mature enough to understand all aspects. Be sure to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon. Good luck!

Thank you for your question. You are not too young, but your implant choices are more limited based on your age. You are likely not a candidate for silicone implants. To determine this you need an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon. Best of luck!

Hello and thank you for your question. 18 is not too young for breast augmentation.  From your description, you appear to have all the right motivations for surgery.  The size, profile, and shape of the implant is based on your desired
breast size/shape, your chest wall measurements, and soft tissue
quality.  This decision should be based on a detailed discussion
with equal input from both you and your surgeon.  This entire surgery can be performed with a
small incision technique.  Make sure you specifically look
at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery
performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.   The most important aspect is to find a
surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek consultation with a
qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

My concern about operating on most 18 year olds is that they may not have the emotional maturity to deal with any complications that occur, or a less than "perfectly perfect" result.  So, I look for emotional maturity, as well as physical maturity before accepting a patient in this age range.Also, your implant choices are much more limited (saline only) than if you wait until age 22.

Thanks for your question.  At 18 years old, you may be finished developing and ready for breast augmentation.  However, some women develop as late as 22 to 23 years old.  If you feel you are still developing, you might wait until you are a bit older.  However, if you are ready, find a board certified plastic surgeon in your area who will help you understand what might work best with your body type and post-operative goals.  There are great variety of breast implants these days so make sure to do your homework not only your potential surgeon but also what you might be interested in as far as breast implants.Wishing you all the best,Steven Camp MD

I offer Breast Augmentation to patients who are 18 years old and over. So you are not too young to have them. What is important is the process of consent, to make sure you fully understand what the surgery will involve and what it will mean to you. Please be sure you will consult a board certified plastic surgeon.