Do you think I should still need to wait to get a breast lift + implants? If so, how long?

Dear Beautiful272210,
if you want to get silicone implants, it is best to wait until you are 22. If you are considering surgery, I would suggest you consult a board-certified plastic surgeon. Only after a thorough examination, you will get more information and recommendations.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

You may still have your surgery at this age but, you are correct you can only get a saline implant. However, once you turn 22 if you’re unhappy with your saline implants, a very small operation to exchange for silicon could be done. It is not possible for me to make meaningful recommendations without at least a photograph. A physical examination would be most beneficial to determine the width of your breast, as well as the other dimensions which could guide both of us in deciding what size implant would fit you best, what type of lift would help you, and the result you could expect based on your particular anatomy. A detailed consultation with your plastic surgeon will be very informative for you. Best wishes.

In 2006 the FDA approved silicone gel implants, but that approval was limited to those 22 and older. Patient's may get silicone gel implants regardless of FDA approval. It does not negate manufacturer's warranty, it is not malpractice, nor does it break any laws. Placing silicone gel implants into women younger than 22 is called 'off label use'. Off label use of drugs and devices occurs all the time in many different fields of medicine. In fact, off label use can become so popular that the FDA is quick to approve a drug or device for that new use. An example is semaglutide, a drug with brand names like Ozempic. That drug's approval was for diabetes. It became so popular for weight loss that the FDA has now approved it (after looking at safety and efficacy profiles for that use). So, don't worry. Get your surgery in the US this summer.

After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size breast implants. They also get to see what they would look like when the breasts have fully dropped and fluffed and in clothes. You get to see actual results and the surgeon' s experience and not a virtual idea of what can be achieved. Women tell me that this process is very helpful in determining what is right for them. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Unfortunately, you have not provided photographs or told us your bra size. However, if you have tuberous breasts, there are a variety of procedures that can be done. The technique I prefer is a mini lift. Using a circumareola incision, your breast tissue is reshaped, elevated higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. At the same time, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired. I would need more information to give you an accurate answer.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

At your age, you can get saline implants and the lift. Once you are past 22, the implants can be changed to gel when it is time to exchange them.