At What Age Can You Get Breast Implants?

Breast implants are used during breast augmentation to achieve a fuller, rounder, and more symmetrical looking chest. Once placed above or below the chest muscles, implants create flattering volume and add balance to hip-to-bust proportions. They can help many women feel more confident in swimsuits and clothing.

If you’re interested in breast augmentation, it’s normal to wonder when you can undergo the procedure. Keep reading to learn about FDA age regulations and other factors that can impact your timing.

FDA Regulations for Saline Breast Implants

Saline implants are FDA-approved for patients who are 18 or older. This type of implant has a silicone shell and is filled with a sterile salt water solution.

Typically, saline implants are inserted while they are empty. Then, they are filled to the desired size. It’s important to note that in patients with very thin skin, it’s possible to see or feel implant wrinkling or rippling.

In the event of a rupture, the saline will be absorbed by your body. This means that the implant will lose its size and shape.

FDA Regulations for Silicone Breast Implants

Silicone implants are FDA-approved for patients who are 22 or older. With this type of implant, both the shell and fill material are made of silicone. So-called “gummy bear” implants fall into this category, as they are made of a highly cohesive silicone material that holds its form.

Silicone is more viscous than saltwater, so the material tends to look and feel more like natural breast tissue. For that reason, many women prefer silicone implants.

Since silicone implants don’t lose their shape once the shell is punctured, like saline implants, it is more difficult to detect damage to the implants. Often, an MRI or ultrasound is needed to verify that the implants are intact.

Other Considerations for Breast Augmentation Timing

In addition to FDA guidelines, other factors can determine what age is ideal for your breast augmentation. For example, it‘s essential to undergo breast augmentation after your breast tissue is fully developed. While breast development typically comes to a halt around your late teens, it’s possible for it to continue into your early 20’s.

Pregnancy is another consideration. Since pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding bring physical changes, your breast augmentation results may be cosmetically impacted by having children. That doesn’t mean that you can’t have children after your breast augmentation, but it may be a good idea to postpone your procedure if you are thinking of having kids soon.

Lastly, breast implants are not meant to last forever. You may need to have them replaced after 10 or 15 years. Additionally, implants do not protect your breasts from the effects of aging. Later in life, you may experience sagging, which can be improved with a breast lift if you find it undesirable.

Our board-certified plastic surgeons will happily discuss these and other considerations during your consultation. If you decide that now is the best time for your procedure, they will discuss your options and create a plan for achieving the results you desire.

Schedule Your Denver Breast Augmentation Consultation

Call 303-706-1100 today to schedule your consultation with our board-certified plastic surgeons. At Park Meadows Cosmetic Surgery, we welcome patients from Denver, Lone Tree, and the surrounding areas of Colorado.  

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