Safer Implants
In the early '90s, silicone breast implants became a hot topic as women began filing lawsuits claiming their implants were leaking and causing health problems. Since that time, more than twenty medical studies have been done and none has found a link between silicone and health problems. Now, a new silicone implant that has emerged.
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Myrna Perez worked out and stayed in shape. Still, she wished her body was different.
Myrna Perez
Had breast implants
"I was just a little imbalanced. So I just needed that extra curve, the extra curves."
As a 32 AA, Myrna wanted more, but was worried about the rumored dangers of standard silicone implants.
Myrna Perez
"It was just a scary thought, just because of everything that had happened with silicone."
Doctor William P. Adams offered her a new type of silicone implant.
William P. Adams, Jr., M.D.
Plastic Surgeon
UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
Dallas, TX
"There's been about 700,000 patients that have gotten the cohesive gel implant internationally over the past seven years, and the data thus far has been very favorable."
The new implant is now the most popular type in Europe and South America. With these implants, the silicone is in a cohesive form.
William P. Adams, Jr., M.D.
"If we cut the implant in half, it's almost like a Jell-O form where it doesn't move out or flow out of the implant."
If it were to rupture, Doctor Adams believes the silicone would stay in one area and could easily be removed. Myrna was hesitant at first, but now is confident about her decision.
Myrna Perez
"Just like LASIK or lip gloss. You add things on, it's just another cosmetic. Everything worked out perfectly now. This was the best decision I ever made."
And she's confident she chose the safest option.
The current US clinical trial will enroll nearly 1,000 women. Women will be followed for many years to track any potential health problems.
BREAST IMPLANTS: Research shows 220,000 women received breast implants in the United States last year, which was twice the number from a decade ago. Up until the early nineties, silicone breast implants were very popular. As more women began complaining of ruptures and health problems, the Food and Drug Administration took a strong stance. Breast implant manufacturer Dow Corning paid out a $4 billion settlement to women who had filed suits. Since that time, plastic surgeon William P. Adams, Jr., M.D., from University of Texas Southwester Medical Center, says more than 20 studies have conclusively found silicone implants are safe for patients.
NEW TYPE OF IMPLANT: A new implant under study is called a cohesive gel implant. It is a silicone implant, but the filler is more solid. Dr. Adams describes it much like Jell-o in that it doesn't move or flow if the implant were to rupture. Because of its form, it is also smoother on the outside. The new implant has been used in about 700,000 patients in Europe and South America, and Dr. Adams says the research shows favorable results. Studies in the United States have been underway for a year and researchers are hoping to enroll nearly 1,000 patients.
TYPES OF IMPLANTS: Dr. Adams says each woman is different and there are different reasons why one implant might be better than another. He says saline implants are more versatile as far as filling them up. If a patient has breast asymmetry, the saline implant is often the best choice because the doctors can make very fine adjustments. However, some patients are better suited for silicone implants. Dr. Adams says it depends on the type of surgery.
WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE HAVING BREAST AUGMENTATION:
- Am I a good candidate? Your physician will ultimately decide if you are a good candidate. If you are in good physical and mental health, have no breast disease, and have a reasonable desire to have your breasts enlarged, you may be an appropriate candidate.
- Are there scars? Yes. Whenever surgery is performed on your body, there will be scarring. The incisions are placed in areas to make the scar less noticeable. Your physician will discuss the placement of incisions during your first visit.
- Are medical photographs taken? Photographs are taken after your first visit for the surgeon and again about three months after your surgery. Medical photographs are essential to help your surgeon better assess your breast symmetry and chest wall shape when planning your surgery.
- Choosing Your Plastic Surgeon: Before you proceed with surgery, choose a qualified physician with whom you feel comfortable. This may be the beginning of a long-term relationship, so choose carefully.
In addition to your physician's surgical skills, you should consider how well he or she communicates with you. You may want to contact several professional organizations, including the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ASPRS) (800) 635-063 or the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) (888) 272-7711.
Aston Aesthetic Center of Plastic Surgery
Department of Plastic Surgery
University of Texas Southwester Medical Center
5323 Harry Hines Blvd.
Dallas, TX 75390-9132
(214) 648-2290
http://www.dr-adams.com
Copyright © 2003 Ivanhoe Broadcast News, Inc.
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