Plastic Surgery Articles

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.

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