The popularity of breast augmentation is evident from the latest statistics published by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) which show that it has topped the ASPS list of popular cosmetic surgical procedures since 2006. According to the report, breast augmentation procedures numbered 290,000 in 2013 – a 1% increase from 2012 and a 37% increase from 2000.
Here are some other interesting findings from this ASPS report
- Of the total breast augmentation procedures in 2013, ASPS reports that 72% were performed using silicone breast implants and 28% using saline breast implants.
- 105,877 of the 290,000 breast augmentation procedures were performed on women age 30-39.
Women choose to undergo this procedure to enhance breast size and shape and also to improve their self-esteem.
Studies have noted that one reason for the rising popularity of this cosmetic breast surgery procedure is because in November 2006, the FDA approved silicone gel breast implants again, ending a 14-year ban on these implants. The approval was issued after the FDA collected evidence that health concerns about the use of this option were unsubstantiated.
In this update, the FDA noted: “Based on the totality of the evidence, the FDA believes that silicone gel-filled breast implants have a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness when used as labeled. Despite frequent local complications and adverse outcomes, the benefits and risks of breast implants are sufficiently well understood for women to make informed decisions about their use”.
The popularity of these implants surged as they offer a more natural look and feel than their saline counterpart.
In 2013, the FDA approved a highly cohesive anatomically shaped silicone-gel filled breast implants which are popularly referred to as gummy bear implants. The FDA’s approval was based data collected from 941 women over a period of seven years, which showed “a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness” according to the director of the FDA’s Center for Devices and Radiological Health.
Side effects of all types of breast implants include tightening of the area around the implant, the need for re-operation or removal, an uneven appearance, or infection. However, leading surgeons perform breast augmentation procedures to meet patient goals safely and effectively.