L.A. Times on Growth in Silicone Breast Implants

Article in the Los Angeles Times -- Breast implant makers, plastic surgeons expect boost from silicone, by Daniel Costello:

Plastic surgeons and the two dominant Southern California-based makers of silicone breast implants are gearing up for what they expect will be a boom in sales of the devices. The only question: How big of a windfall can they expect?

More than 290,000 women had breast augmentation surgery in the U.S. last year, most with the saltwater-filled versions that have been legal for years. With last week's Food and Drug Administration approval of silicone implants — generally considered to have a more natural look and feel — many in the industry believe a large percentage of women could quickly switch. In countries where both products are sold, silicone implants make up nearly 90% of the market.

Some doctors also predict that overall growth in breast augmentations could accelerate, as women waiting for approval of silicone implants visit their doctors and others with saline implants consider replacing them.

BGS