ASPS Supports the FDA Process Regarding Silicone Breast Implants; Plastic Surgeons Would Welcome Reintroduction if Products Found Safe

10/13/2003

From: Theresa Hill of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 847-228-9900

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., Oct. 13 -- The American Society of Plastic Surgeons would welcome the reintroduction of silicone breast implants as a choice for women seeking breast augmentation if the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) finds them to be safe.

"As physicians and patient advocates, we have confidence that the FDA will review valid scientific data and make its decision based on the best interests of patients," said ASPS President James Wells, MD. "Our primary concerns are the safety and health of our patients. If the science presented on Oct. 14 and 15 finds these medical devices to be safe, plastic surgeons would welcome this choice for women."

Nearly 237,000 women chose breast augmentation in 2002, according to the ASPS. In a 2002 report published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, more than 90 percent of women were satisfied with their breast augmentation surgery and their resulting body image two years post-operatively.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons supports a woman's right to make informed personal choices about her health care based on all the available and accurate information about cosmetic plastic surgery, breast augmentation and breast reconstruction. Cosmetic plastic surgery is serious surgery. It requires a complete medical consultation with a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery who will fully inform a potential patient about the risks and benefits of surgery.

Women interested in breast augmentation should research the procedure thoroughly. The society's web site http://www.plasticsurgery.org contains accurate information about many plastic surgery procedures. For more information or referrals to an ASPS plastic surgeon, call 888-475-2784.

ASPS, founded in 1931, is the largest plastic surgery organization in the world and the foremost authority on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. For referrals to ABPS-certified plastic surgeons in your area and to learn more about cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, call the ASPS at 1-888-4-PLASTIC (1-888-475-2784) or visit http://www.plasticsurgery.org.