Saline or Silicone Gel? The Results May Surprise You...

A recent survey published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal shows what the current preferences are for breast augmentation surgery. According to a survey of 1746 board-certified plastic surgeons and members of the ASAPS:

- Sixty percent of surgeons are still using saline implants, and the vast majority of them are using them 75-100% of the time.

- The majority of surgeons (64%) preferred an incision near the breast crease, while 25% preferred an incision around the bottom half of the areola.
- The average implant size reported by 81% of surgeons was 300 to 400 cc (which is approximately a small to a full "C" cup bra).
- Smooth implants, rather than implants with a textured surface, were most often preferred by 92% of respondents because it was the surgeon's preference, less wrinkling, or overall better results for the patient.
- Ninety-six percent of surgeons used round, rather than anatomically-shaped, implants.
- The most common position for implant placement was under the muscle (62% of surgeons).

With the exception of the majority use of saline implants, these statistics reflect what I see in my practice. I estimate that I use saline implants only 25% of the time, since most patients seem to prefer gel. I utilize three incisions (underneath the breast, around the areola, and the armpit), with the most common being underneath the breast. My average size implant is probably 350-375cc, and I usually use smooth round implants placed under the muscle. I find that these choices usually minimize any complications and revisions.

To view a breast augmentation I performed on Fox News, click here.

Statistics source

Thanks for reading.
Michigan-based Plastic Surgeon
Anthony Youn, M.D.: