Alabama Plastic Surgeon on Difference Between Saline and Silicone Breast Implants

Breast augmentation was the most common cosmetic surgical procedure in 2010, according to the latest data from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). 318,123 procedures were performed, with 62% of patients choosing silicone breast implants. At his Alabama plastic surgery practice, Dr. Grady Core says breast augmentation is also the most popular procedure among his patients, with roughly the same amount choosing silicone.

The latest study from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) shows that breast augmentation was the most common procedure in the U. S. in 2010, with 62% of patients choosing silicone breast implants over saline. As a board-certified plastic surgeon in Alabama, Dr. Grady Core says the same is true at his practice. He adds that patients often cite improved aesthetic appearance and a more natural feel as reasons for choosing silicone breast implants. However, he says another added benefit is silicone implants are slightly lighter than saline.

As patients weigh their options when considering breast augmentation in Alabama, Dr. Core stresses the importance of consulting with a board-certified cosmetic plastic surgeon.He says the consultation process is extremely important regardless of the type of procedure begin performed because it ensures the patient and doctor are on the same page as expectations and goals are determined. He adds that when a patient is considering breast augmentation in particular, and trying to determine which type of breast implant will yield the desired results, the consultation becomes even more important to the success of the procedure.

While speculation arose in the mid-90s regarding the safety of silicone implants, the U. S. Food and Drug Administration has validated their safety following 14 years of in-depth research. Dr. Core adds that since that time, a new generation of implants has become available, which can offer patients improved safety and aesthetic quality.

As a majority of Americans now approves of cosmetic enhancement as demonstrated in the ASAPS study, Dr. Core says he believes continued education and innovation with regards to the safety of aesthetic procedures will support further growth in the industry. Regardless of whether his patients choose saline or silicone implants, he adds that breast augmentation is likely to remain one of, if not the most popular form of surgical cosmetic enhancement.

About Grady Core, MD

Dr. Grady Core earned his medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He then completed general surgery training at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, and his plastic surgery training at the Mayo Clinic. After serving as a Clinical Instructor at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, Dr. Core served as Chief of the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Ochsner Clinic in New Orleans. He has published numerous articles in industry-leading journals, and is a regular presenter at plastic surgery meetings around the world. Dr. Core is a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, and is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Core and Associates plastic surgery practice is located at 3595 Grandview Parkway, Suite 150, Birmingham, AL 35243, and can be reached at (205) 397-2100.