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FDA Approves the use of Silicone Gel Breast Implants!

Chicago, Illinois

Chicago, Illinois
In November 2006, the FDA approved silicone gel implants for breast enlargement surgery. The approval applies to all women over 22. Because of my (Dr. Placik’s) extensive experience with silicone gel implants, this is welcome news for our patients.

Dr. Placik’s experience with silicone breast implants

I have been implanting silicone gel breast implants for more than 15 years as a regular part of my plastic surgery practice.

Noteworthy Silicone Gel Implant Experience and Achievements

2007 – Completed physician certification programs,for silicone gel breast implants for both Allergan and Mentor in compliance with FDA mandates.

2000 – Named Primary Investigator for the Investigational Review Board at Northwest Community Hospital’s Adjunct Study Protocol for Mentoring silicone breast implant processes. In this role, I have maintained my working capacity for placement of silicone gel breast implants while following the FDA guidelines established in 1992, including enhancements due to disease and injury. I also have extensive experience monitoring the removal and replacement of implants for patients who received silicone breast implants before 1992. This continued experience gives me a heightened capacity when working with today’s silicone breast implants.

1995 – Joined my current practice which include staff doctors who have been working with silicone breast implants for over four decades. .Beginning in 2000, I undertook sole responsibility for the care of all our patients with silicone breast implants.

1994 – Published a letter in JAMA (a distinguished medical journal) advocating the safety of silicone gel implants for women who were nursing.

1990 – Began my work with silicone gel breast implants.

New and improved implants
Unlike the silicone gel implants prior to 1992, today’s breast implants are constructed with safety in mind. To prevent rupturing problems of the past, newer implants utilize a thicker casing. The implants are no longer filled during the procedure but are instead pre-filled and sealed to minimize the chance of leaking. The silicone gel used today also has a thicker consistency to keep from “spilling” or “pooling” in the event of a break.

What is silicone?
Silicone refers to any of a wide group of chemical compounds. Varying consistencies range from liquid to gel to solid. Each silicone compound contains the element silicon (no e),an element like hydrogen or calcium. When combined with oxygen, silicon becomes silica. Silica exists in many common forms from sand to quartz to crystals. Many everyday items use silicone like chewing gum, hairspray, and soap.

The consistency of breast implant silicone is similar to jell-o. Not only does this help the implant maintain its form, it also ensures that if a rupture occurs, the silicone gel will stay put. However, ruptures are very uncommon, given the new shell construction.

What are the advantages of silicone gel implants?
Silicone gel implants have a clear advantage over other implants in that they most closely resemble the look and feel of actual breast tissue. They are less likely to ripple than saline implants and also weigh a little less versus saline implants of comparable size.

Silicone gel implants are offered in two shapes, round or teardrop, and with either a textured surface or a smooth one. They utilize the same insertion points and the same incision locations as saline-filled implants. Those locations are:

Below the breast, in the crease (areolar)
Below the nipple, where the skin changes color (areolar)
In the armpit (transaxiliary)

The incision for silicone gel breast implants must be slightly longer than for saline implants since they come pre-filled. You need not worry about this cosmetically as it will still be discreet and well hidden. For more detailed information, see the breast enlargement page.

Only two companies are currently approved by the FDA to offer silicone gel breast implants, Mentor Corp. and Allergan Corp. Each has met the rigorous safety standards now set by the FDA. I am certified to implant silicone gel breast implants manufactured by both companies..

MemoryGel™ implants are offered by the Mentor Corp. and have been in use since the 1980’s. From their website:

MemoryGel™ implants feature a cohesive, gelatin-like substance that acts as a solid rather than a liquid. It holds together uniformly while still retaining the natural give of breast tissue.
From: http://www.mentor4me.com/breast-augmentation/breast-implants.aspx

Inamed® silicone breast implants are offered by Allergan Corp. From their website:

Allergan has a global reputation of providing safe, effective and high quality breast options for over 25 years. Now, the FDA has evaluated and determined that INAMED® Silicone-Filled Breast Implants are safe for use in breast augmentation and reconstruction surgery.
From: http://www.breastimplantstoday.com/silicone/

Breast augmentation’s rising popularity
The benefits, both psychologically and physically, for women who undergo breast augmentation surgery are well documented in numerous studies. Beyond looking better, the advantages of feeling better about yourself will permeate every aspect of your life. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), approximately 300,000 women underwent breast augmentation surgery during 2005. Furthermore, almost 58,000 women had breast reconstruction. Now that women have more options regarding breast augmentation, demand for these procedures is sure to reach an all-time high.

Breast augmentation
Breast reconstruction
Breast lifts

If you would like to learn more about silicone gel breast implants, please call or email us. Dr. Placik offers initial consultations where he will listen to your concerns and desires, answer all of your questions, and suggest possibilities to help you attain your goals. Contact us today.

847-398-1660

312-787-5313

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Associated Plastic Surgeons, S.C.
Otto J. Placik, M.D., F.A.C.S.
(847) 398-1660 or (312) 787-5313
Arlington Heights and Chicago, Illinois

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