Chicago Plastic Surgeon Discusses Latest ASAPS Breast Implant Statistics
Plastic Surgeon in Chicago on ASAPS Statistics on Silicone Breast Implants
According to the latest study by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), of the 318,123 breast augmentation procedures performed in 2010, 62% used silicone breast implants. Breast augmentation was the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure last year. Dr. Brian Braithwaite, a plastic surgeon in Chicago, says that he has seen an even higher percentage of patients opting for silicone implants at his practice. Dr. Braithwaite discusses the ASAPS statistics concerning breast augmentation and reasons for the overwhelming popularity of silicone implants.
At his center for plastic surgery in Chicago, Dr. Brian Braithwaite says a vast majority of patients are choosing silicone implants for breast augmentation patients rather than saline. The latest statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) confirm Dr. Braithwaite’s observations on a national scale as 62% of the more than 318,000 breast augmentation procedures used silicone implants. “In my practice, more than 90% of patients choose silicone breast implants. I discuss both saline and silicone implants, explain the pros and cons of each type, and allow patients to make their own decision. Younger patients who are not eligible for silicone implants make up most of the 10% that choose saline.”
Dr. Braithwaite says the popularity of silicone implants at his practice reflects the overall growth in demand for breast augmentation in Chicago. He also adds that his patients continue to select silicone breast implants in a vast majority of cases due to their natural aesthetic appeal. “Patients nationwide likely prefer silicone implants over saline implants because they feel more natural.”
After discontinuing their use in 1996, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration extensively researched silicone breast implants and re-approved them in 2006 for breast augmentation patients age 22 and over and breast reconstruction for patients of all ages. Dr. Braithwaite says the new generation of silicone breast implants offers both enhanced safety and quality results. “I think the most important factor to consider is a patient’s happiness over time. Although silicone implants cost twice as much as saline implants, this added cost is rather minimal when one considers the years of added satisfaction. In addition, the safety of silicone implants has clearly been established via numerous studies, making this previous concern much less of an issue at the present time.”
As advancements in implant techniques and technology continue to emerge, Dr. Braithwaite says, above all else, he stresses the importance of consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon before undergoing any procedure. He also adds that patients seeking breast augmentation or any treatment should consider all of the plastic surgery options available.
About Brian M. Braithwaite, MD
Dr. Brian Braithwaite received his undergraduate degree from the University of Chicago and his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago. He completed his general surgery training at Keesler Medical Center, Keesler Air Force Base, and his plastic surgery residency at the University of Louisville. Dr. Braithwaite is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Dr. Braithwaite’s practice, the Aesthetic Institute of Chicago, is located at 601 West Randolph Street in Chicago, IL and can be contacted at (312) 361-8108. The practice can also be reached online at drbraithwaite.com or facebook.com/drbraithwaite.
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