Breast Augmentation - Silicone Implants Make a Comeback

Los Angeles, CA -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/20/2013 -- According to a March 11, 2013 Wall Street Journal article, women are overwhelmingly choosing silicone implants for their breast augmentation procedures and that this rise can be attributed to new, advanced implant technology. Silicone implant manufacturers have improved the product that was banned until 2006 by addressing issues such as infection, scarring and leakage. (go to: goo.gl/L9UVd)

According to Dr. Simon Ourian, Medical Director of Epione Beverly Hills, the market “has done an excellent job of reacting to the wishes of female consumers. The numbers clearly indicate that women were looking for an alternative to saline implants and as soon improved silicone implants were introduced and their safety illustrated they switched in droves.”

A major concern with the old silicone implants was leakage. The new technology in silicone implants is firmer and won’t leak or drip even if punctured. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved “form-stable” implants, a boon to women requiring reconstruction following single-sided mastectomies. These form-stable implants have a more natural teardrop shape giving plastic surgeons a better choice for matching the patient’s remaining breast.

Though it was 2006 when the ban on silicone implants was lifted, it took several years for consumers to shift away from saline implants. That year silicone implants were used in only 20% of breast augmentation procedures. 2012 statistics provided by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery show that more than 300,000 breast augmentation procedures were done last year in the U.S. The proportion of women opting for silicone implants in 2012 shot to 72%.

It is important to note that women receiving silicone implants can expect there is a possibility they will need to remove and/or replace the implants within 10 years of their original procedure. For women undergoing post-mastectomy breast reconstruction the number will approach 50%. 20% of women who opted for silicone implants for breast augmentation will likely require they be removed or replaced within 10 years.

“My primary concern is safety, and that appears to have been addressed.” concludes Dr. Ourian. “At this point it’s all about giving women options. As the numbers in the article suggest women overwhelmingly prefer silicone to saline implants.”

About Epione
Epione Beverly Hills has been a leader in minimally-invasive aesthetic medicine and laser technology. Products offered include Botox, Radiesse, Sculptra, Restylane, and Juvéderm. Procedures are available to treat or revers conditions such as wrinkles, stretch marks, varicose veins, cellulite, skin discoloration, acne and acne associated scars. More information about silicone breast implants can be found on their website.