Before moving forward with breast augmentation, it’s natural to ask how old you need to be and whether the rules change depending on the implant type. The answer depends on FDA regulations and each patient’s physical and emotional readiness. Here’s a clear breakdown of the age requirements for saline and silicone implants, along with the key factors surgeons evaluate before recommending surgery.
FDA Minimum Age Requirements: Saline vs. Silicone
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets different minimum ages for cosmetic breast augmentation depending on the type of implant:
- Saline breast implants are approved for cosmetic breast augmentation in women 18 and older.
- Silicone gel breast implants are approved for cosmetic breast augmentation in women 22 and older.
Both saline and silicone implants are approved for breast reconstruction at any age, such as after mastectomy or for congenital breast deformities.
These FDA age limits apply specifically to cosmetic breast augmentation, which is considered elective surgery.
Why Are Saline and Silicone Age Limits Different?
The FDA’s age guidelines are based on risk profiles and how these implants behave over time:
- Saline implants are filled with sterile saltwater. If they leak, the implant deflates and the body absorbs the saline, so rupture is usually obvious and easier to detect.
- Silicone implants are filled with cohesive silicone gel that can maintain shape even if the shell breaks. This means ruptures can be “silent,” requiring imaging like MRI or ultrasound to detect.
Because of this added complexity and the long-term monitoring recommended for silicone implants, the FDA sets the bar higher at 22+ for cosmetic silicone augmentation.
Legal Age vs. Right Age for Breast Implants
Meeting the minimum age requirement does not automatically mean you’re a good candidate for breast augmentation. Many board-certified plastic surgeons look at a combination of factors, including:
- Breast development: Breasts should be fully developed and stable in size. This often happens between ages 18 and 22 but can vary.
- Overall health: Non-smoker or willing to stop, medically cleared, and free from conditions that significantly increase surgical risk.
- Emotional maturity: Realistic expectations, understanding of risks, and the ability to follow pre- and post-operative instructions.
Surgeons often prefer patients to be in their early 20s or older for cosmetic augmentation, even with saline implants, to ensure physical and emotional readiness.
Can Teenagers Get Breast Implants?
For purely cosmetic breast augmentation, most reputable plastic surgeons in the U.S. won’t place implants under 18, even though reconstruction and certain corrective surgeries may be performed earlier.
Exceptions may be considered for:
- Severe asymmetry
- Poland syndrome
- Tubular breast deformity
- Post-traumatic or reconstructive needs
In those situations, surgery is typically viewed as reconstructive rather than cosmetic, and decisions are made case-by-case with parental consent and medical team input.
If you’re under 18 and seeking implants only for cosmetic reasons, you’ll almost always be advised to wait.
Is There a Maximum Age for Breast Augmentation?
There is no official upper age limit for breast implants. Women in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and even 70s may safely undergo breast augmentation if they:
- Are in good overall health
- Pass medical clearance (such as heart evaluation, labs, etc.)
- Understand recovery and implant maintenance
Surgeons focus more on health status and goals than the exact number of years lived.
Choosing Between Saline and Silicone at Different Ages
Once you meet the minimum age requirements, the choice between saline and silicone implants usually revolves around aesthetics, feel, and lifestyle rather than age alone.
Saline Implants
- FDA-approved for younger women starting at 18
- Often inserted empty and filled during surgery, which can allow smaller incisions
- Rupture is obvious because the implant deflates
Silicone Implants
- Many patients and surgeons feel they look and feel more like natural breast tissue
- Better option for very thin patients or those seeking a more natural contour
- Require periodic imaging to monitor for silent rupture, based on FDA guidance
Your surgeon will help you weigh these differences against your anatomy, lifestyle, and long-term goals.
Factors to Consider Before Scheduling Breast Augmentation
Regardless of age, it’s important to think through the bigger picture of breast augmentation:
- Long-term commitment: Implants are not lifetime devices; many people need revision or replacement surgery down the road.
- Future pregnancies and weight changes: These can alter breast shape and may affect your results.
- Monitoring and follow-up: Particularly with silicone implants, you may need imaging over time to check implant integrity.
- Scars and possible complications: Capsular contracture, implant rupture, infection, and changes in nipple sensation are known risks for both saline and silicone implants.
The Bottom Line: How Old Do You Have to Be?
For cosmetic breast augmentation in the U.S., you should be minimum:
- 18 years old for saline implants.
- 22 years old for silicone implants.
However, the right age is more than a legal threshold. If you’re considering breast implants at any age, the most important step is a detailed consultation with a plastic surgeon who can review your health, discuss your goals, and help you decide on timing, implant type, and a surgical plan that fits your situation.
Schedule Your Consultation with Dr. Sessa
Dr. Alberico Sessa at Sarasota Surgical Arts offers personalized evaluations and clear guidance to help patients make informed decisions about breast augmentation. Whether you’re exploring your options for the first time or considering surgery after years of planning, his expertise ensures that your treatment plan aligns with your goals, your lifestyle, and your long-term well-being. Call us at 941-923-1736.
