Women choose to get a breast augmentation for lots of different reasons — from correcting asymmetry to achieving a boost of volume to getting their pre-pregnancy bodies back. But when is the right time and age to get breast implants? While certain breast implants are approved for young women, is 18 too young for breast augmentation?
If you’re thinking about getting breast implants but aren’t quite sure if you’re in the right season of life for this procedure, consider these four important tips.
1. Understand FDA Recommendations
There are added risks involved with getting “off -label” breast implants under the FDA’s recommended age.
Currently, the FDA recommends that women be at least 22 years old before getting silicone breast implants and at least 18 years old for saline implants. Although it is not illegal to get breast implants at a younger age, most reputable cosmetic surgeons will encourage young women to wait until their bodies have fully developed before considering this procedure.
That said, there are some situations when a cosmetic surgeon may be on board with a breast procedure at a younger age, such as breast reconstruction or breast reduction required for medical reasons. If this may be the case for you, schedule a consultation or two with an experienced cosmetic surgeon who understands your unique needs.
2. Consider How Your Body Is Still Changing
It’s never too soon to consult a cosmetic surgeon about a breast procedure, but keep in mind that your cosmetic surgeon might recommend that you wait until your body has reached physical maturity before getting breast implants. Common concerns such as asymmetry and small breasts might resolve themselves without surgery as a young woman’s body continues to develop.
Similarly, breast enhancement results could change and look considerably different as your body changes. This could require you to have a revision procedure down the road to get your initial results back.
3. Factor in Family Planning
Some women choose to wait until they’ve finished having children to get breast implants. While there’s no reason why you can’t have your breast enhancement procedure before finishing your family, waiting until you’ve completed your family can come with benefits.
As described above, it is possible that you could need a revision procedure after having children. Additionally, certain breast augmentation incision techniques may affect your ability to breastfeed in the future.
For these reasons, you might consider holding off on breast augmentation until you’ve finished having kids, especially if starting a family is on the horizon for you.
4. Talk with a Reputable Cosmetic Surgeon
Finally, choosing an experienced, reputable cosmetic surgeon and taking his or her advice to heart is vitally important. Avoid seeking out the first surgeon who will agree to do the surgery, no questions asked — especially if other cosmetic surgeons have had hesitations.
While there’s nothing wrong with getting a second or even third opinion, be sure that each cosmetic surgeon you speak with is reputable and has your best interests in mind. If the general consensus is that holding off on breast augmentation could yield the best results while minimizing risks, waiting another few years can really pay off in the long run.
At Hamilton Surgical Arts, our cosmetic surgeons have over 40 years of combined experience to help you find the treatment option that’s right for you. Both Dr. Lowery and Dr. Jackson are recognized leaders in the cosmetic surgery field, providing the highest quality care in the Indianapolis area.
