Plastic Surgery Articles

The Impact of Silicone

May 31, 2007 -

ASPS Member Surgeons predict that about 40 percent or more breast augmentation patients theyll have in the next 12 months will opt for silicone implants as opposed to saline.

Breast augmentation became the top surgical cosmetic procedure in 2006 with an increase of 13 percent over 2005.

75 percent of surgeons expect that 3 to 10 percent of their patients will at one point replace their saline implants in place of silicone for purely cosmetic reasons.

Silicone Safety

Since the approval of silicone implants, plastic surgeons have been receiving positive feedback from patients, explains Roxanne Guy, ASPS President, These interactions are creating an upbeat outlook for the future use of silicone implants.

ASPS Member Surgeons agree that silicone implants are safe, however theyre aware that some patients still have reservations about choosing silicone over saline.

Silicone vs. Saline

Surgeons claim that four out of five of their patients personal concern doesnt necessarily stem from the procedure itself but their worries arise due to the overall costs of the silicone implants.

Each patient has different needs, which are addressed during a consultation with their plastic surgeon. Patients now have a wonderful advantage because they can choose between saline and silicone- a decision they can make together with their plastic surgeon, explains Dr. Guy.

Considering breast augmentation? Click here to consult with a qualified and experienced board certified plastic surgeon in your area.

Is Breast Reconstruction Right for You?

May 24, 2007 -

Breast reconstruction is often performed on women who have endured breast cancer and are looking to restore the appearance of their breasts after having a mastectomy. Enduring breast cancer can have lasting physical and emotional effects, but reconstruction surgery can have a positive impactchanging the way a woman views her body and boost her self-image.

Breast Reconstruction Procedures

Breast reconstruction surgery helps to rebuild the shape and size of the breast as well as the nipple and areola.

The procedure may include the insertion of an implant or, if possible, the surgeon may use the womans own tissue to reconstruct the breast. The surgery can last anywhere from two to ten hours and a brief hospital stay may be required depending on the case. There is an average recovery time of two to six weeks.

The average cost of having this surgery varies upon technique and whether or not procedures are needed on the opposite breast to achieve perfect symmetry. The results are permanent, though the breast may alter in appearance with age

As with any surgical procedure, breast reconstruction does carry some risks including irregular scar formation, asymmetry, bleeding, and infection.

Considering breast reconstruction surgery? Click here to consult with a qualified and experienced board certified plastic surgeon in your area.

Breast Implant Surgery Triples Among Teens

May 14, 2007 -

Over the last decade, the number of teens across the country undergoing breast enhancement surgery has tripled. According to statistics, three times as many teen girls got breast implants in 2002 than 10 years earlier. From 2002 to 2003 alone, the number of breast implant procedures in young girls increased by nearly 25 percent.

Hollywood may have something to do with the growing acceptance of surgery among young girls. With teen celebrities like American Pie actress Tara Reid and American Idol runner-up Kellie Pickler both getting a boost from breast implants, its no surprise that girls as far away from Tinseltown as Arkansas are flocking to their plastic surgeons office wanting to look like their favorite celebrity.

However, being a teen is never easy and plastic surgery offers some teen girls a self-esteem boost. Some girls suffer from breast asymmetry or other deformities that can be helped with a little cosmetic enhancement.

One girl who got implants when she was 19 said one of her breasts was larger than the other.

Whenever I wore swimming suits, or anything that was just a little tight or form fitting, it was pretty noticeable. I dont feel self-conscious, I feel real confident now, she said.

Still, not all young girls are ready for plastic surgery. Plastic surgeon Dr. Suzanne Yee, who practices in Arkansas, said, If theyre not emotionally and physically ready for itthey think that its going to be a quick fix, like going to make them popular in school, or theyre doing it for their boyfriendthats not the reason to do it.

Dr. Yee advises parents to let teen girls to broach the subject. Have a teen bring it up themselves. Dont bring it up to them. Even if you see some asymmetries, you dont want to make them think theres something wrong with them, she said.

Breast implant procedures, like any surgery, carry some risks including bruising, bleeding, swelling, and infection. Young women whose breast muscles havent been stretched may experience more discomfort than older patients.

(Source: KATV)

Considering breast enhancement? Learn more about your options by contacting a board certified plastic surgeon near you.

Plastic Surgery Panel Discusses Silicone-Gel Implants

May 4, 2007 -

Members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery recently met to discuss the advantages of silicone-gel breast implants, which gained approval for use in women over age 22 from the Food and Drug Administration late last year after a decade ban.

Evidence-based medicine has now documented the safety, efficacy, and potential advantages of silicone breast implants. This will allow American women to have the same opportunities and choices as their international counterparts in making important personal health and aesthetic decisions regarding their femininity, said G. Patrick Maxwell, MD.

The society said the availability of silicone implants provides womenincluding first time implant patients, those seeking revision or replacement surgery, and women who are not ideal candidates for salinewith an exciting option.

Panel members specifically discussed:

• Advantages and disadvantages of silicone-gel implants
• Choosing a type of implant silicone vs. saline
• Post-operative management, including long-term follow-up and MRI evaluation
• Implant design and surgical advancements

An Exciting Option, But Technique Counts

The approval of silicone-gel implants has expanded the options for women considering breast augmentation. Nevertheless, obtaining favorable patient outcomes is usually not about the implant, but, rather sound surgical decision making and techniques, said William P. Adams, Jr., MD.

Dennis C. Hammond, MD, seemed to agree that optimal outcomes are determined more by technical advances than whether the implant is saline or silicone.

Advances in technology are allowing us to provide important benefits to our patients, regardless of implant type.

(Source: ASAPS website)

Considering breast implants? To discuss your options with a board certified plastic surgeon near you, click here.