21 year old wanting silicone breast implants

Question

Hi I am a 21 yr old wanting to get silicone breast implants. I have had some doctors tell me to simply tell all drs I am 22 in order to be able to have the silicone implants. Do all doctors allow you to sign an informed consent form in order to still have silicone at 21 or should I go with saline. Thank you for your answers

Richard G. Schwartz, MD · Answer

While it is true that the FDA states that silicone implants can only be used for women 22 years or older, there ar      exceptions related to certain congenital or development breast and/or chest wall deformities. Were your surgeon to offer to give you silicone without such an exception, then the manufacturer's implant warranty would be voided.  However, let me tell you about a newer type of saline implant called the Ideal Structured Saline Implant, that is FDA- approved, and has a softness and feel remarkably like silicone, but without the rippling previously associated with older saline implants.  This is achieved by having internal baffles that prevent the water from swooshing around.  In blind testing of plastic surgeons, most can not tell the difference between the Ideal Saline Implant and a silicone implant.  My patients have been very pleased with this implant.

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and congratulations on your decision to pursue a breast augmentation.  Silicone implants can be placed in women younger than 22 as an "off-label" use.  The reason that 22 is quoted is because the studies showing silicone's safety were in women that were 22 years and older.  Talk to your ASPS board certified plastic surgeon about your concerns, they can provide you with additional details.

Benjamin Mandel, MD · Answer

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!

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

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.

Eric Schaffer, MD, FACS · Answer

22 is the age that is required to have Silicone implants.  If you do not want to wait then saline could be used.  Continue to do your research on the difference between saline and silicone and meet with several Board Certified Plastic surgeons for advice.  Good luck.

Jon F. Harrell, DO, FACS · Answer

There are many Plastic Surgeons using silicone implants in patients under the age of 22. The reasons may vary but in my practice this only happens after a detailed evaluation and discussion with the patient. At least one of the implant manufactures will void their implant warranty if silicone implants are used in patients under 22 years old. See a few surgeons and see if silicone is offered as an option for you. Best of luck   Dr Harrell

Benjamin J. Cousins, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your questions. Yes there can be exceptions to the AGE=22 rule. But remember, it is best to see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who can in person examine you, take key measurements and go over with you your specific aesthetic goals. Bringing several photos of your "ideal" look can be helpful as well. During the consultation is a review and discussion about several things including the incision location, implant placement, implant size, shape, type as well as the expected recovery period. I take personal care of all my patients to ensure optimum results. There are several key differences and some similarities in the types and shapes of breast implants. It is best to see and feel in person the different sizes, shapes and textures of the various implants during a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Best of luck. Dr. Benjamin J. Cousins M.D. Board Certified Plastic Surgeon--Miami Beach/Miami/Broward Florida

Kris M. Reddy, MD, FACS · Answer

The standard FDA approval for silicone breasts implants is 22 (18 for saline breast implants). However,the FDA approval does allow for exceptions. Consult in person with an experienced and expert board certified plastic surgeon to determine if you would qualify for an exception.

Manuel Ventura Gonzalez, MD · Answer

HelloThe type and size of implants that you want to obtain will determine you with the plastic surgeon of your choice, that according to your figure you will be told which implants fit your body well, the shape can be tear or round, Your surgeon will recommend.
  
The teardrop-shaped implants are contoured and considered more anatomical. They are shaped like a natural sinus and create an inclination when placed over the chest muscles. Although these are more natural looking breast implants, you will need an experienced plastic surgeon to ensure they are properly positioned.
  
Round breast implants are used to give women a "Victoria Secret" appearance. Round implants are the most common breast implants as they provide a fuller and fuller look as well as a better cleavage. Certain types of round implants can also improve breast projection. However, some women feel that round implants look too artificial.
  
In my case I only perform breast augmentation with silicone implants, because of the projection they give, because they give more firmness to the breasts and because of the good results that are obtained.
 Always to serve you, Dr. Manuel Ventura I wish you good luck !
Certified, Medical Research Institute of Plastic Surgery in Sao Bernardo do Campo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Joshua A. Halpern, MD, PA · Answer

There is a rule that states that you have to be 22 or older to have a silicone breast enlargement. Many plastic surgeons feel the rule makes no sense but they follow the rule. Other surgeons do not follow the rule. I have many patients who have saline breast implants whose boyfriends or husbands do not know that the patients have any implants at all. (Same is true regarding my silicone breast implants patients.) Some important reasons in choosing a plastic surgeon includes:1) He or she is board certified by American Board of Plastic Surgery. 2) That he or she listens to what is your goals are. 3) You feel comfortable that he or she will give you a good result. I hope you find this information useful. For more information please watch the enclosed video.

21 year old wanting silicone breast implants

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