Fast Facts: Breast Augmentation at Graduation

Breast augmentation might be the best high school present. It’s far better than mid high school years when others would notice the change. In fact, breast augmentation may be a great way to transition from high school to college and adult years. The longing for breast augmentation during teen years is often due to social challenges and low self esteem relating to small or disfigured breasts.

Yet, in 2007, The American Society of Plastic Surgeons found that 47.4% of women under the age of 18 sought after breast augmentation for cosmetic reasons and the society does not advocate breast augmentation under the age of 18. So, graduation might be the right time for breast augmentation. But it’s important for graduates to know the factors that relate to breast augmentation at graduation.      

• Saline Breast Implants are FDA approved for women 18 year and older.
• Silicone Breast Implants are FDA approved for women 22 years and older.
• Maturity in understanding the risks associated with silicone when an unnoticeable rupture occurs compared to saline implant that produces a noticeable impact when ruptured and is not associated with additional risks from ruptures.
• Costs for ongoing mammography requirements in the case of saline implants and MRI requirement for silicone may be prohibitive at young age.
• Both the FDA and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons do not advise breast implants before the age of age unless reconstructive breast surgery is the basis for augmentation.

Breast augmentation can be a life changing experience and one to be taken seriously at any age.

Have you or someone you know been considering a breast augmentation? If so, please contact a Board Certified Surgeon to be better informed of your options.