5/29/07

In a survey conducted by the ASPS, more than half of member surgeons predicted that they will perform 25% more breast augmentations in the next 12 months and that 40% or more of all patients will choose silicone implants.

According to the report, breast augmentation was the top surgical aesthetic procedure in 2006, with an increase of 13% from 2005. Supporting this trend is the fact that 70% of plastic surgeons perform, on average, more than five breast augmentations per month. Furthermore, 75% expect that 3% to 10% of their patients will at some point replace their existing saline implants for silicone implants for aesthetic reasons.

“Plastic surgeons are receiving positive feedback from their breast-augmentation patients since the approval of silicone implants,” says Roxanne Guy, MD, ASPS President. “These interactions are creating an upbeat outlook for the future use of silicone implants.”

Even though ASPS surgeons agree that silicone implants are safe, some believe their patients may still have concerns about their safety. Four out of five members responded that their personal concern for the safety of the implants was the least significant barrier preventing their patients from choosing silicone implants. In addition, 50% of members said their patients’ concerns about safety might be a significant barrier. However, 60% of the members believe cost would be the most significant barrier preventing some patients from choosing silicone implants.

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

[ASPS, May 24, 2007]