Am I a candidate for breast augmentation? (Photo)

Question

I was wondering if I am a good candidate for saline implants. I am still only 18, however, I am fairly certain my breasts are done growing as I am the same size as my sister who is in her 20s and the other women in my family. I would wait but my parents want to pay for it as a college present (as this is something I have been wanting for a long time) however I also don't want to cause any health complications or adverse effects.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

There are a number of factors which determine whether an individual is a candidate for breast augmentation. There are no absolute restrictions other than being in good enough health to safely undergo surgery.
However, there are a few other considerations a young patient should bear in mind:
-The FDA recommendations for the use of silicone implants are for patients 22 years and older (a consequence of the initial study population. This is only a recommendation. Saline implants recommendations, on the other hand, are age 18 years or older.
-Patients should be stable in their breast development/volume. Breasts can continue to develop/change into the early 20's for some women. I generally recommend at least 6 months stable without any change before considering surgery. 
-A stable weight, as with most surgery, will help a patient achieve their best outcome. Significant changes in weight can lead to requisite changes in the breasts leading to "buyer's remorse" ("too big" or "too small").
-Patients should consider whether they have any plans for children in the immediate future as the requisite changes of pregnancy can compromise the overall aesthetic outcome.
Based solely upon the information you provided, I would say you are at the very least a candidate for surgery. There is no replacement for an in-person consultation. Your board certified plastic surgeon can help guide you towards the appropriate implant for your frame.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear elliel6229,
you can be a candidate for BA surgery. however, you can gel saline implants and silicone implants after you turn 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

Brian K. Reedy, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question! Absolutely you would be a candidate for a straightforward breast augmentation. Be sure to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon in your area! Good luck!

Sacha Obaid, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  Based on your photos, you appear to be a good candidate for saline breast implants.  I advise you to research board certified plastic surgeons in your area to schedule a consultation.  At your consultation, you should be able to see the implants as well as try on sizers.  Best of luck to you!

Carlos Marciales, MD · Answer

Hello, of course you are a good candidate for breast augmentation with implants, I just don't recommend saline implants, better gummy bear ones, you should also be aware that you have asymmetrical breasts therefore you need implants of different sizes

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I recommend an in person consultation with a plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and be measured. After I measure and discuss goals with my patients, we then look at pictures of women (my patients) with similar measurements with different size 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

Steve Laverson, MD, FACS · Answer

Proceed carefully. Your breasts appear well developed for your lean thin body, and represent a natural asset without liabilities of augmentation with implants: scar, skin stretching, possible contracture, possible rippling, asymmetries, animation if under your pectoralis muscle, possible medical complications like bleeding or infection, discomfort, possible failure (rupture, deflation) over time, and others. If your desire for larger is worth these risks to you, find a great surgeon in your area who will safely produce for you the result you want.

If you were really flat-chested, which you are not, my opinion is that you would be a better candidate. Your natural endowment appears ample, proportional, and well within widely accepted standards for beauty.

If you were really flat-chested, which you are not, my opinion is that you would be a better candidate.  Your natural endowment appears ample, proportional, and well within widely accepted standards for beauty.

Jeffrey M. Darrow, MD · Answer

Thank you for your photos. You have a normal, natural breast shape, your nipple/areolar complex sits well above your inframammary fold and you have near symmetry of your breasts.  All of these factors make you an excellent candidate for breast augmentation.  As you are not yet 22 years old, a saline implant would be your choice.  Once you reach 22 years of age, if you are pleased with the saline, keep them.  If you aren’t pleased with the saline, an exchange/switch to silicone is very simple.   Have a detailed discussion with a trusted plastic surgeon to discuss sizing, positioning and recovery. Best wishes.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

You are a good candidate for breast augmentation and there is no reason to wait, especially if your parents agree with your decision (you're 18, so that isn't necessary, but nice). Please don't let the FDA approval of silicone gel filled implants for women 22 years and older stop you. Performing breast augmentation with silicone implants in women younger is not malpractice or against the law, nor will it 'void the warrantee' of the implants. The use of drugs or devices by physicians outside the realm of their FDA approval is call 'off label use', and is extremely common. It says you're in Texas, so there are many qualified surgeons, just be sure you vet out a good one.

Miguel Mota, MD · Answer

Hello and congratulations on going to college! You are a great candidate for saline implants. This is because silicon implants are not approved for patients under 21. We do not have agree with this rule, but if you are getting this done in the states, this is the way to go. In any case saline implants will give you great results. Your breasts are already nice and implants will just enhance the look even more.

Best of luck,
Dr. Miguel Mota

Best of luck,
Dr. Miguel Mota

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