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A recent article on Bloomberg.com reveals the latest release of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. Breast augmentation has replaced liposuction as the number one procedure in women for 2008. The reasons for this are affordability coupled with the FDA approval of silicone implants.

Breast augmentation, although down in absolute numbers, remains a popular procedure even in this economic time. I think patients feel that silicone is a safe and more natural alternative to saline breast implants.

Patients are also more aware of a youthful appearance and how this translates into a safe and desirable surgery. Breast augmentation can assist patients to make a change that will give them the look they had years earlier.

As far the economy, the practice remains strong and I find the patients asking for breast augmentation has held steady since the recession began in December 2007. I feel we have weathered the worst and patients will continue to achieve the results they desire through breast augmentation.

The breast augmentation surgery can enhance the shape desirable to many patients. Many come to the office with a size that they want to obtain already in their mind. The problem is that some patients are too conservastive.

Size remains one the biggest challenges when it comes to breast augmentation. Patients are somewhat fearful of being too large, so they choose an implant size that is too small. This manifests itself years later when they want a second surgery to go bigger. I hear often that “Dr. Ferraro, I love the breast augmentation, but I wish I went a little larger.”

I therfore tell my patients to choose an implant for their breast augmentation that is slightly larger than they would otherwise pick. The reason for this is the implant appears larger outside the body than the ultimate result when the breast augmentation surgery is completed and the final result is achieved.

If a patient starts with a B cup and wants a C cup, depending on frame, the patient may choose a 300cc moderate profile implant. I would suggest something larger like a 350cc moderate profile silicone implant to complete the breast augmentation. This would allow the patient to reach their goals.

Of all aspects of breast augmentation surgery the size of the implant is one where the patient gives this issue a lot of thought and rightfully so. I would encourage you to visit our website and look closely at the pictures and stats to see which patient matches your height and weight. Also look where they started and what they achieved with which implant.

Many patients debate what implant to use in breast augmentation surgery. The differences, safety record and ultimate outcome depend on your understanding of these differences.

Silicone implants now used in breast augmentation and a third generation implant. The problems with the older style silicone implants was durabilty and subsequent rupture. To solve this preoblem the manufacturers have completed two main changes. One is to strengthen to outer wall and add an inner lining to decrease the incidence of rupture. The two wall layer gives added protection but detracts little from the natural result.

The second major change in silicone implants is that the gel itself is more coherent. This means that in the case of rupture to silicone gel inside the implant will move less in case of a wall leak. My patients call them “gummy bears”.

With breast augmentation the patient has many options regarding the implant style, shape and materials. Saline is fast becoming an obselete option and silicone is what my patient are asking for. The saline have rupture rates that are comparable to the silicone implants. If the implants rupture they must be exchange for new implants. In general the warranty from the manufacturer will cover most if not all of the costs.

There are several resources to read and compare the choice of silicone or saline used for breast augmentation. One is our website at pssnj.com. Second would be literature from the manufacturer which will be given to you and explained during your consultation.

All decisions in breast auigmentation are important one of the major choices are silicone vs. saline and I hope I haved answered some of your questions.