Silicone Implants: A Safe Option for Breast Enlargement Patients in Naperville, Illinois

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) has recently released a statement calling the use of liquid silicone injections "highly controversial." The group did not, however, comment on the use of silicone gel implants, indicating that silicone implants remain a safe option for breast enlargement patients in Illinois across the country.

Joliet, IL (PRWEB) November 7, 2008 -- The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) recently released a statement updating its position on the use of liquid silicone as an injectable. In the statement, the ASAPS called the use of liquid injectable silicone "controversial" and recommended that it not be used outside of clinical trials. The group did not call into question the use of silicone-gel implants in humans, however. According to Dr. Jose Rios of Rios and Lapinski Plastic Surgery & Dermatological Institute (www.rios-lapinski.com), the fact that the ASAPS has not questioned the use of silicone implants means that they remain a safe option for his breast enlargement patients near Naperville, Illinois.

"The statement released by the ASAPS is really not surprising," says Dr. Rios, who is a board certified plastic surgeon practicing in Joliet and Frankfort, Illinois. "The use of liquid injectable silicone in the field of cosmetic medicine has been questioned for a number of years. What is interesting - and encouraging - about the ASAPS' statement is that it does not question the use of silicone-gel implants in humans, which means that the ASAPS has seen no reason to doubt the safety of the silicone implants that surgeons across the country use in breast augmentation procedures."

Dr. Rios is one of many Naperville-area plastic surgeons who has seen rising interest in silicone-gel implants since they were re-introduced to the market in 2006. The first implants that were widely used for breast augmentation were introduced to the market in 1963 and they were filled with a liquid silicone gel that was the consistency of honey. These implants were banned for general use by the FDA in 1992 amid allegations that leaking implants were causing several serious health problems.

"Even though a decade of exhaustive research was not able to reveal a connection between the older-style silicone implants and autoimmune disorders, the FDA's decision to ban the use of this implant type was probably the right choice at the time," adds Dr. Rios. "The health and wellbeing of my Naperville and Joliet breast surgery patients is always my top priority, so I respect erring on the side of safety."

In 2006, silicone implants were reintroduced to the market when the FDA approved the use of new cohesive silicone-gel implants for women over the age of 22. The new silicone-gel implants use silicone that has a thicker, gummy consistency, allowing the implant to hold its shape even if punctured or torn. This means that in the event of rupture, silicone is unlikely to leak into the body and instead will stay within the implant shell. Although the new silicone-gel implant is slightly firmer than the original liquid implant, most of Dr. Rios' breast enlargement patients from Naperville and Joliet, Illinois, find them to be very natural in look and feel.

With the reintroduction of silicone implants to the market, breast augmentation patients can currently choose from two basic implant types: cohesive silicone-gel implants and implants filled with saline solution. Both implant types have advantages and disadvantages, and women considering a breast augmentation procedure should choose a board certified surgeon who is willing to take the time to help them decide on an implant that fits their needs and goals.

"Women who come to my offices in Frankfort and Joliet for breast surgery want to know that they are making a choice that is going to enhance their appearance without compromising their safety," says Dr. Rios. "I make it a priority to share information like the ASAPS' statement with my patients so that they can make informed choices about plastic surgery."

Rios and Lapinski Plastic Surgery and Dermatological Institute (www.rios-lapinski.com) is proud to offer high quality cosmetic surgery and skin care services for women and men from the Naperville and Joliet area. The practice has 2 Illinois offices - one in Joliet and one in Frankfort - and they offer a complete menu of procedures for the breast, body, and face. Dr. Rios specializes in performing breast augmentation procedures, and he and his staff are dedicated to helping each patient have a safe and successful plastic surgery experience.

###