Breast implant Website launched by leading plastic surgery societies

Main Category: Cosmetic Medicine / Plastic Surgery
Article Date: 08 Mar 2005 - 0:00 PDT

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The most complete, objective, medically grounded resource for women interested in breast surgery -

Information regarding the safety and effectiveness of breast implants, silicone or saline-filled, has been confusing and controversial for more than a decade. To help potential patients become fully informed about implants, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons today launched an informational Web site, http://www.breastimplantsafety.org.

The new Web site offers objective and medically-grounded information for women and other concerned parties on this important topic. It presents the pros and cons of the only devices currently approved for all uses by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) -- saline implants -- as well as the advantages and disadvantages of silicone implants. Silicone implants have been available for reconstructive and breast revision surgery since 1992. The site also extensively covers the history of implants, medical research, safety information, clinical trials, links to other informative Web sites and more.

"Deciding to have plastic surgery, takes careful consideration," said Scott Spear, MD, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. "With http://www.breastimplantsafety.org , we want to give women the most accurate information so they can be empowered to make the best decision."

In April, an FDA panel will hear testimony on the safety of silicone breast implants from manufacturers. With this information, the panel and the FDA will decide if the devices warrant FDA approval.

"The goal of the http://www.breastimplantsafety.org site is to give women a reliable resource as they investigate the vast, often confusing and sometimes inaccurate information available online about breast implants," said Peter Fodor, president of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) is the leading organization of board-certified plastic surgeons specializing in cosmetic plastic surgery. ASAPS active-member plastic surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. http://www.surgery.org

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. With more than 5,000 members, the society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises 94 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the United States. Founded in 1931, the society represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. http://www.plasticsurgery.org

Contact: LaSandra Cooper
847-228-9900
American Society of Plastic Surgeons
http://www.plasticsurgery.org