Saline Breast Implants Still Popular
Results appear despite approval for silicone prostheses
As breast enlargement operations increase in the UK, unsurprisingly they are also increasing in popularity in the US, according to figures published by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, with 400,000 breast procedures performed in 2007.
Findings also show that women are still opting for saline breast implants despite approval for silicone implants by the FDA (The US Food and Drug Administration). Saline implants are described as the “workhorse of breast augmentation” by Dr Thomas Kotoske, a surgeon awarded America’s Top Physician in Plastic Surgery 2008 by the Consumer Research Council of America. He is also medical director of the Cosmetic Surgery Institute in Arizona.
“[This is] because there are many different saline profiles and shapes available, which allows your doctor to achieve a better match to your individual body frame.” He added.
“Saline breast implants are great for women who need correction for asymmetry, or that have reservations about silicone breast implants,” Kotoske continued. He pointed out that patients themselves should weigh up the options to decide what choice is best to suit their type of situation.
The benefits of saline implants include the flexibility of their fill volume, which instead of being prefilled, are actually filled after they have been inserted into the breast and can be adjusted accordingly. It allows the doctor to create symmetry much more easily as well as reducing the size of scarring, as a smaller incision is required to insert an unfilled implant.
As with all procedures patients should discuss the options with their surgeon as all of the options are designed to fit in with the needs of individuals.
Dr. Kotoske is a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon as well as a total body cosmetic surgery specialist. He is an adjunct clinical professor for KCOM and Midwestern University in plastic surgery, reconstructive surgery, ear, nose and throat surgery. He is currently Chairman of the Department of Surgery at John C. Lincoln Hospital in Deer Valley in the United States.
Breast enlargement procedures have the ability to create a larger shape and size for the breast. Surgeons make an incision in the natural creases such as underneath the breast or in the armpit and insert the implant or prosthesis to carry out the procedure.
