St. Louis Plastic Surgeon Reflects ASAPS Statistics on Patient Preference of Silicone Breast Implants
Plastic Surgeon in St. Louis Discusses Silicone Breast Implant Popularity
According to a recent survey by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the majority of patients undergoing breast augmentation prefer silicone breast implants over saline implants. The study reports that 62% of breast augmentations used silicone implants whereas only 38% used saline. However, Dr. Jeffrey Copeland, a board-certified plastic surgeon in St. Louis, says while many patients are undergoing breast augmentation procedures at his practice, the majority of patients choose saline implants.
According to the latest study by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), breast augmentation was the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure in 2010, with more than 318,000 performed. The ASAPS statistics also state that 62% of those procedures used silicone breast implants as opposed to saline implants. At his St. Louis plastic surgery practice, Dr. Jeffrey Copeland says breast augmentation is also one of the most popular procedures; however, he adds that a majority of his patients choose saline implants. “I discuss the differences between the two types with each prospective patient and leave the decision to them. If the person places more emphasis on the way the breasts are likely to feel after the operation, they often choose gel implants. I have noticed that Midwestern women are generally rather conservative and seek what they feel are more time-tested and “safer” implants. Also, it is easier to identify an implant failure when, on the rare occasion, that occurs.”
After declaring a moratorium on silicone breast implants in 1992, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration re-approved their use in 2006, following extensive research and study on their safety. The approval extends to breast augmentation patients age 22 and over, and breast reconstruction patients of any age. Also, Dr. Copeland says because of recent advancements in technology and techniques, the silicone and saline breast implants of today are offering patients considerable aesthetic benefits with more efficiency and safety. He adds that patients undergoing breast augmentation, regardless of their implant choice, are now electing to take advantage of the latest innovations in state-of-the-art plastic surgery procedures.
As breast augmentation in St. Louis continues to rise in popularity, Dr. Copeland says patient safety and satisfaction remain as top priorities. He adds that a customizable treatment plan with a board-certified plastic surgeon can help to ensure patients make the right decision concerning their procedure and increases the chances of achieving the best results possible. “The most important thing for a patient to think about before augmentation is what their goal is, whether it is their body image, the way clothing fits or making areas of the body proportional to the whole. This guides the whole process and makes decisions about details much easier.”
About Jeffrey G. Copeland, MD
Dr. Jeffrey Copeland received his undergraduate degree, medical degree, and residency training in general and plastic surgery from the University of Missouri, Columbia. He also completed a fellowship in microvascular surgery from the same institution. Dr. Copeland is a current member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the Missouri State Medical Association. He has served as the president of the St. Charles-Lincoln County Medical Society and as the president of Plastic Surgery Consultants, Ltd., among other distinctions.
Located at #2 Richmond Center Court in St. Peters, MO, Copeland Cosmetic Surgery can be reached at (866) 377-0288). It can also be contacted online via the website copelandcosmeticsurgery.com or facebook.com/copelandcosmeticsurgery.
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