When the FDA approved silicone breast implants for primary breast augmentation in November 2006, they removed the requirement that the procedure should be "reconstructive." However, they specified that silicone implants were intended for use in females aged 22 and older for breast augmentation and for breast reconstruction. For patients under 22, silicone implants could be used if they had specific physical conditions, such as scoliosis, rib cage abnormalities, or severe breast asymmetry.

Without these conditions, silicone breast augmentation in patients under 22 is considered "off-label," meaning it may be not covered by the manufacturer's standard warranty. Nonetheless, the FDA allows and will continue to allow silicone breast augmentation for patients younger than 22, provided the patient is informed of this status.

Based on recent studies and guidelines patients under 22 years of age can safely receive silicone breast implants for primary breast augmentation, as long as they understand this is an “off-label” use.

Regarding safety, silicone implants are the same regardless of the patient's age. Thus, they are considered safe for use in individuals under 22.

If you are under 22 and meet the usual criteria for elective cosmetic surgery, it is both permissible and safe to use silicone gel implants for breast augmentation.

If this information is relevant to you, please contact our office for a complimentary consultation!

You can see some of our beautiful natural results of breast augmentation here!