Can I get silicone implants if I’m 19?

Question

I live in Ohio and one of my friends told me there’s a law here that you can’t get silicone until you’re 22. Can’t I just sign a waiver that takes away that warranty and get silicone?

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Hi carocap,
  
The two main types of implants are silicone and saline. The shell of the implants can be either textured (which reduces capsular contracture) or smooth. A textured implant sometimes requires a larger incision. The shape of the implant can be either round or tear drop shaped (gummy bear). Both have their advantages and disadvantages. 
  
The different types of implant offer different pros and cons. For instance, the pros of silicone implants are that they look and feel more natural and ripple less.
  
On the other hand, the pros of saline implants are that they do not require as large of an incision as silicone, less expensive, they have less incidence of capsular contracture (scarring around the implant), one can tell immediately if there is a rupture, the size can be slightly adjusted, and they can be used for women less than 22 years of age.
  
Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS
  
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
  
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

hello thank you for your question and provided information as well..based on your question, it is difficult to evaluate if the case does not have photos to give you better evaluation, my recommendation is that you be evaluated in person by a certified plastic surgeon who sees and determines what plastic surgery you apply.

Janet Woodyard, MD · Answer

The FDA has advised that patients under age 22 can only have saline implants. You are only eligible to have silicone implants for augmentation at age 22 so I would recommend simply waiting until you are old enough if you want silicone.

Susan D. Vasko, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. I do have patients under the age of 22 who choose to have silicone implants, and you are correct, you will not be eligible for the implant warranty. Be sure to see a board certified plastic surgeon.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

The FDA has recommendations (age guidelines) for the use of saline and silicone implants. These recommendations state that saline implants can be safely used in patients 18 years or older and 22 years or older in the case of silicone. These recommendations are not law and are based upon the age of patient populations which were studied in initially evaluating the safety of the devices.
With regards to your specific question, patients younger than 22 commonly choose silicone implants. This is safe. However, by doing so they are acknowledging an "off-label" usage which may void warranties in the unlikely event of an issue. The warranty will vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. However, they will typically cover the cost of device replacement in the event of a failure.
I regularly use silicone implants in patients younger than 22.
As always, consult with your board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Christine Blaine, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi carocap and thank you for your question.  The FDA has approved silicone gel breast implants in patients who are 22 years of age and older.  For those patients who are 18-21 years old, saline breast implants are FDA approved and widely available.  In some instances, Plastic Surgeons will make an exception and use silicone gel implants in patients younger than 22 when there is documented congenital deformities of the breasts and/or severe asymmetry.  Use of silicone gel breast implants in patients 18-21 years of age is considered an 'off-label' use and can impact warranty coverage as well.If you are interested in learning more about a breast augmentation procedure and the implant options available to you, I would encourage you to schedule an in person consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.  I hope that this helps and I wish you the very best!

Gregory S. LaTrenta, MD · Answer

You should consult with a local Plastic Surgeon in Ohio regarding local state law requirements. Generally 21 years of age is the cut off for patients desiring breast augmentation.

Nicholas Tarola, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  While it is possible to have silicone breast implants placed between the ages of 18 and 22, doing so would be considered off-label use of the implant device and therefore make the manufacturers warranty null and void.  I recommend consulting with one or more board certified plastic surgeons to have a more in-depth conversation regarding the advantages and disadvantages of each especially given your age.

Joseph Franklin, MD · Answer

While the FDA recommends that silicone implants should only placed in patients over the age of 22, there are cases when the implants are used in younger patients.   Would find a board certified plastic surgeon in your area and discuss the pros and cons of saline versus silicone breast augmentation.

Earl E. Ferguson III, MD, FACS · Answer

The official answer is 22 years old for silicone implants.  While you may be able to find a surgeon that will put them in at a younger age, most will follow the established guidelines both to keep the warranty intact and to protect themselves medicolegally in the event of any complications.

Can I get silicone implants if I’m 19?

Answers (17)

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