Press Release: Sacramento Breast Augmentation Surgeon Charles Perry, MD Discusses Silicone Implants

February 11, 2009 -- Much has been written and discussed about the safety of silicone breast implants. After the U. S. Food and Drug Administration decided to pull the implants from the market in 1992 until further study of their effects could be completed, an exhaustive and thorough series of patient studies were implemented. In 2006, silicone implants were approved by the FDA, and put back on the market. Since it’s now been two years since silicone implants have been widely available for breast augmentation surgeries in patients age 22 and older, Sacramento, California cosmetic plastic surgeon Charles Perry, MD says he’s seen quite a leap in the amount of requests for the implants at his office.

“Silicone implants feel a bit softer and will conform to the shape of the natural breast. We have found that while many women are extremely happy with their saline breast implants, more and more are switching to silicone for the enhanced feeling and to avoid the visible rippling often seen with saline implants.”

Although Dr. Perry has seen a sharp rise in patients visiting his Sacramento breast enlargement practice who either choose silicone breast implants for their first breast augmentation procedure, or to switch from saline to silicone implants, he says he always gives his patients the pros and cons of both implant types so they can make the most informed decision possible. “It is an exciting time to be thinking about breast augmentation or enhancement, as there are so many options available to choose from now. It is important to discuss the options with your surgeon because in many situations there may be a specific reason to choose a saline or silicone implant based upon your body type, the shape of the breast, as well as the quality of the breast tissue and your aesthetic goals.”

When comparing the two – saline and silicone breast implants – Dr. Perry says saline implants require a smaller incision; and if they ever malfunction or leak, it’s easier to detect because the breast will take on a deflated appearance. Although leaks from a silicone implant are harder to notice because of the thick gel inside them, they are known to have a lower leak rate than saline implants. “Silicone gel implants have been used in Europe for over thirty years without difficulty. The question is not whether or not silicone is safe (as historically you see many examples of good and bad results), but how it is used and when it is used. Not all silicone gels are the same and certainly for some patients it is not a good choice; however, in general the material itself is not the biggest factor in determining safety - it is often the user.”

Dr. Perry says that patients at Chrysalis Cosmetics, his Sacramento, California breast augmentation practice, are generally very happy with either saline or silicone breast implants. “With more choices available for women, and more options for surgeons, I think we are seeing better and better results from breast enhancement procedures. We are also seeing that, given a choice, most women will choose a gel implant for its feel and natural appearance. It is such an exciting time to be thinking about plastic surgery.”

Dr. Charles Perry can be reached at Chrysalis Cosmetics, located at 3800 J Street, Sacramento, California 95816 – (916) 248-4447, or through his Sacramento, California breast implants website at www.sacramentoplastics.com.