What Age Is Considered Too Young For Breast Augmentation?
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Breast augmentation is without a doubt one of the most popular cosmetic procedures among women year after year. With the ever-increasing influence of social media and Hollywood on young people, women are now starting to consider breast implants at an earlier age than ever. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Alex Mesbahi and the expert team at Mesbahi Plastic Surgery in McLean, VA fully understand the impact that breast augmentation can have on a woman’s life and take great care to ensure the procedure is safe and appropriate for each and every patient. Learn more about breast augmentation in Washington, D.C. here, including what age may be too young for breast implants.
Is there a minimum age for breast augmentation?
While there is no legal age requirement for breast augmentation, the vast majority of reputable plastic surgeons adhere to the FDA’s guidelines, which approve saline breast implants for women 18 years and older and silicone gel implants for women 22 years and older. When a relatively young patient expresses interest in getting breast implants, there are a number of important factors that need to be evaluated, including:
- Age
- Physical health
- Stage of development
- Emotional maturity
- Motivation for getting breast implants
- Expectations
In some cases, younger women may not completely understand how having breast implants will impact their life, including the fact that they will likely need a revision or replacement in the future. Furthermore, younger patients whose natural breasts have not fully developed may experience unwanted changes in their breast shape/size if they have implants placed too early. During the initial consultation for Washington, D.C. breast augmentation, Dr. Mesbahi will perform an examination, take a thorough health history, and evaluate multiple factors – including the patient’s physical and emotional maturity – to determine whether breast augmentation is appropriate.
What is the best age for breast augmentation?
Because every woman is unique, there is no perfect age to undergo breast augmentation. Instead, it is important to determine whether breast augmentation is appropriate for each patient based on her personal needs, goals, and lifestyle. Some critical considerations for choosing the best time for breast augmentation include:
- Desire to have more children
- Weight fluctuations
- Goals for breast augmentation
- Lifestyle/activity level
- Available downtime
Generally speaking, women often begin to consider breast augmentation in their 30s and 40s once they have begun to notice changes associated with pregnancy, breastfeeding, and the aging process. However, women of virtually all ages continue to choose breast augmentation as a solution for achieving or restoring a more feminine and attractive figure.
Can teenagers get breast implants?
Yes. Saline breast implants are approved for use in women 18 years of age and older. There is no minimum age for having breast augmentation, but many surgeons do not offer the procedure for women under 18. In certain cases, minors may undergo breast augmentation to correct abnormalities related to a birth defect or trauma, but patients under 18 must have parental consent for the surgery.
Can I get a breast reduction at 16?
Breast reduction can certainly provide a number of physical and emotional benefits to patients of all ages, including teenagers. Having excessively large or heavy breasts can lead to chronic pain, poor posture, skin conditions, and issues with self-esteem. By removing a portion of the breast tissue and skin, breast reduction allows patients to look and feel more comfortable than ever. However, patients under 18 years of age will still need thorough evaluation and parental consent before undergoing breast reduction surgery.
Time your Washington, D.C. breast augmentation right with expert knowledge and advice
If you or your daughter are considering breast augmentation but have concerns about being too young for breast implants, it is important to consult with an experienced surgeon. To learn more about the exciting possibilities with breast augmentation – and to find out whether breast implants are right for you – call Mesbahi Plastic Surgery in McLean, VA to schedule your one-on-one consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Alex Mesbahi today!