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Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons Prepare For The Comeback Of Silicone Gel Breast Implants: Use, Efficacy and Safety to Be Discussed at Annual Meeting

ORLANDO, FL (April 21, 2006) - The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) announced that the course, "Silicone Breast Implants: Use, Efficacy and Safety: The Immediate Horizon and Beyond," will be presented to plastic surgeons at the Aesthetic Society's Annual Meeting, taking place April 21-25 in Orlando, FL. The course is designed to update plastic surgeons on the use of silicone gel implants, which could become widely available this year if the FDA restrictions on their use are lifted.

The overall aim of the training is to optimize patient safety and limit the complications and reoperation rates for patients undergoing breast enhancement with silicone gel devices. In addition to an overview of regulatory issues, the silicone gel implant course will provide the most current information on the differences and benefits of saline and silicone gel, managing patient expectations, improving operative techniques, reducing reoperation rates, and preventing and managing complications. Since 1992, the Food and Drug Administration has restricted silicone gel breast implants for use only in very limited indications, such as for mastectomy patients seeking breast reconstruction.

"Since the restriction on silicone gel implants in 1992, there has been a generation of plastic surgeons who have limited, if any, experience with these types of implants," said Dr. Foad Nahai, the course facilitator. "This program will introduce them to the differences between gel and saline implants. It will also educate all surgeons, even those who have used silicone gel in the past, about its use, the most effective and safe surgical procedures and how to decrease complication rates."

The change in the availability of silicone gel implants will create new options for women considering breast surgery for the first time and for those who have had previous surgeries but are seeking implant replacement or revision. The intensive training on silicone breast implants will feature a discussion of specific methods on how surgeons can improve the quality of patient outcomes and significantly reduce reoperation rates through better preoperative planning and more precise surgical technique.

"With silicone gel implants set to possibly become a more widely available option, surgeons will need current and accurate information on breast implant techniques to ensure patient safety and satisfaction," said Dr. V. Leroy Young, Chair of ASAPS Breast Surgery Committee and Associate Editor of Aesthetic Surgery Journal, the official, peer-reviewed publication of the Society. "This course provides much needed information for all cosmetic surgeons who will be performing breast implant procedures."

In 2005, almost 300,000 patients underwent breast augmentation procedures, according to the Aesthetic Society's most recent statistics. Since breast implants may not last a lifetime, these patients are among over two million with existing implants who may need upgrades and replacements in the future. During the silicone breast implant course, expert surgeons will outline a process to address the specific needs of women with existing breast implants who need revision or replacements.

"We are proud to provide this necessary component of member education to aesthetic plastic surgeons across the country and in Canada," said Mark Jewell, MD, President of ASAPS. "It will ensure that our members remain up to date on the proper protocols both for first time breast implant surgery and for reoperation procedures. This course is one of the many ways that we will continue to do everything possible to make these procedures as safe and effective as possible."

Reprinted with permission from the ASAPS.

The Squires Clinic for Plastic Surgery, Dr. John Squires and his dedicated team pride themselves in providing patients with the best in plastic surgery and skin care. Dr. Squires is double board certified by the American Board of Surgery and the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is an active member of the exclusive American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, The American Society of Plastic Surgeons and several other internationally recognized professional plastic surgery organizations. Let your journey to a more confident you begin at The Squires Clinic, where exceptional results provided in an atmosphere of privacy, safety and comfort, exemplify Colorado’s premiere plastic surgery and skin care clinic.

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If you are interested in cosmetic surgery in the Metro Denver, Boulder, Colorado area, contact us or call 303-321-3210 to schedule a consultation.

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