21 year old wanting silicone breast implants

Thanks for your question. The FDA has approved silicone gel-filled breast implants for breast augmentation in women age 22 or older (there are some exceptions). You should meet with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. Best of luck!

While saline and silicone are equally safe, there are many differences between the two. The most salient point for you is with regards to the FDA recommendations. The FDA recommends silicone implants for patients 22 years or older while saline implants are recommended for patients 18 years or older. The recommendations are based on the demographics of the initial study populations. Silicone implants can "technically" be used in patients younger than 22, however, "off label" use can void warranties. In all reality, that is likely the most significant risk you would face in violating the FDA recommendations.
Other differences include:
-The "feel"- silicone is more natural
-The "look"- silicone is less prone to rippling
-The "cost"- silicone is more expensive
-Access incisions- saline can be placed through a smaller incision as they are empty at the time of placement
-Customization-Silicone implants are pre-filled to a particular volume. Saline can be adjusted on the table within a recommended range.
-Monitoring-Saline implants, if ruptured, will deflate and the saline fill will be absorbed. Silicone implants require surveillance MRI's at 3 years and every 2 years after.
In my experience, patients prefer silicone devices for the more natural feel and the decreased incidence of rippling. In reference to your specific question, at your age use of silicone implants would be off label. While this does not mean that it is unsafe, it would like nullify any warranty or guarantees associated with the device.
Your board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS) should be able to help you select an implant type/size that satisfies your goals.