Can I get silicone implants if I'm 20?

The FDA has only approved silicone breast implants for women who are 22 years old and older. However, if you give informed consent, you can likely find a board-certified plastic surgeon who will agree to use silicone for your breast augmentation. Using silicone in women younger than 22 is legal; it’s just considered an off-label use, much like prescribing a medication that the FDA approved as a beta-blocker to prevent migraines. Off-label use will likely void the warranty on your breast implants though. If you want the protection of a warranty, you may want to delay your breast augmentation until you are 22 or consider saline breast implants, which can also yield beautiful results.



 

This is "off label" under the age of 22 only because the FDA did not include women under the age of 22 in their extensive studies. It is legal and common for physicians to use medications and devices "off label." As previously mentioned by other doctors in this thread, Botox is so commonly used off-label, most patients don't realize it is used off-label. Botox is only "approved" for between the brows ("glabella") and "crow's feet," but is commonly injected in the forehead and other areas to relax wrinkles and/or muscles. Similarly, silicone implants are commonly implanted in women 18-21 years old, without adverse effects or reactions. It is legal, common, and appropriate, as long as the patient is informed, and consent is obtained.Hope this helps! Use a board certified plastic surgeon with experience! 

This is a very common question from time to time here on RealSelf. Please search "silicone implants under age 22 Tholen" for my answers, as well as the answers by others. Use of silicone gel implants under the age of 22 would be considered off-label, but this is both legal and common with many medications and devices. The important thing is that you understand the pros and cons of silicone vs. saline and consent and request their use.Silicone implants under the age of 22 are perfectly legal
and appropriate for patients who have fully informed consent, and
understand that use of silicone implants under the age of 22 is
considered "off-label" by the FDA.

Off-label use is something that every doctor does frequently, when a
medication is prescribed for another reason than the primary
FDA-approved indication. For example, Botox is approved for cosmetic use
only for the frown muscles between the brows and crow's feet. I suspect that virtually
every physician who uses Botox ALSO uses it for forehead lines, and other areas as well. This is an example of
"off-label" use. We're not breaking the rules, we are simply making an
informed medical choice in conjunction with our properly-informed
patient.So , yes, it's possible; yes, it's legal; and I do this for my patients who are properly informed and choose that option. I have never had one of my implant representatives fail to honor their replacement policy, so "warranty" is NOT void. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Dear Lizzy,   You live in a great country and you are free to choose  implants as you wish, however I would like to give you information about saline implants that will make you rethink about it and , hopefully, will change your decision. Saline implants have no age limitation.  I have been in plastic surgery practice for 29 years and performed breasts augmentation surgery on thousands of patients. I use almost exclusively smooth, round, moderate profile saline implants made by Mentor , for the following reasons:  1. Cost  $1000 less than silicone implants.  2. Statistically has less capsule contracture (breasts hardening) than silicone gel implants.  3. Allow for a short sub areola incision  entry, which is scar friendly. Large silicone implants require long sub mammary incision which is not scar friendly.  4. The sub areola incision, allows for the creation of consistently nice cleavage and precise fold, because it can be done under direct vision and feel, while the sub mammary incision is too far for comfort.  5. I have performed breasts augmentation surgery on many mothers and daughters and it is inconceivable that mothers would have referred me their daughters , if they were not happy with the outcome.   6. It is a myth that silicone implants are more natural than saline implants.  I have replaced many silicone implants with saline implants due to problems with the implants, to the delight of my patients. Moreover, quite a few of my patients had the breasts augmentation surgery before meeting their husbands and the husbands did not realize that their wives have implants...  7. In case of leakage or implant rapture (rare but happens), the saline implant replacement is very simple and can be done under local anesthesia, while silicone gel implant removal is more complex.      Finally, it is wiser to choose the right doctor over the 'right' implant or the 'right' tool. That is because not all results are the same, since experience, skills and aesthetic eye are critical for good outcome.   Always, consults with experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery, to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive with nice cleavage, perky, symmetrical and look natural. Also, check the 'realself' reviews for ratings and positive experience reports.                       Best of luck,                                              Dr Widder

It is off label but many things are done off label such as botox to other parts of the face other then the glabella which was only indicated area when it came on the market. In other counties no such discussion is needed. The FDA is the reason for this silly regulation. I recommend what is best for the patient! Good Luck!