'Silicone vs saline debate carries on'

28/11/2007

Despite ongoing debate, both silicone and saline implants have benefits, says one surgeon.

According to Dr Juan Brou, a surgeon in Oklahoma City, the number of breast augmentations using silicone implants has increased tenfold over the last year, reports the Oklahoman.

However, many women still have reservations about silicone, following its approval by the Food and Drug Administration in November 2006.

Dr Brou claimed saline often costs a lot less but that the silicone option has more similarities to a natural breast tissue.

"It''s like generic versus brand name," he said.

He also warned that patients should not let their surgeons talk them into one implant more than another, as it is a matter of personal preference.

Research by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery found that breast augmentation was the second most popular cosmetic surgery procedure, with 383,886 procedures being carried out during 2006.

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