For Immediate Release: January 11, 2006

The site offers objective and medically grounded information from the leading plastic surgery societies on breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reconstruction and implants, including updates and comparative information on new devices and procedures. Information is available both for women seeking breast surgery for the first time and for those with existing implants that may need revision or replacement.

“Many women make a new year’s resolution to improve the look and feel of their breasts,” said Bruce Cunningham, MD, president of the ASPS. “Using www.breastimplantsafety.org, women can access current scientific information so they are empowered to make the best decision regarding breast surgery.”

The new web site contains a Photo Gallery as well as detailed descriptions of the safety, risks, benefits and costs of all of the major breast reconstruction and augmentation options. It has also been enhanced with new features - “Find a Surgeon,” “Ask a Surgeon,” a new “Woman to Woman” forum, where women can submit testimonials about their experiences, and tips on selecting and consulting a plastic surgeon. The site will be updated on a regular basis to include the latest research and advances in breast augmentation and reconstruction.

“The goal of www.breastimplantsafety.org is to give women a reliable resource as they investigate the vast, often confusing and sometimes inaccurate information available online about breast implants and other breast surgery,” said Mark Jewell, MD, president of ASAPS. “Women can also interact with other women to get valuable feedback from their peers.”

In April 2005, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) convened an advisory panel to review data from manufacturers of silicone gel implants. Two companies, Mentor and Inamed, have received approvable letters from the FDA. The FDA is expected to announce its final decision on the availability of these silicone breast implants in 2006.

“Changes 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 new replacements or revision. There is a real need for accurate and reliable information for women making these choices,” said Richard D'Amico, MD, chair of the ASPS/ASAPS Breast Implant Task Force

Each year, surgical techniques and breast implants themselves are continuously being refined, increasing the safety and reliability of the procedure. As advances develop, plastic surgeons will continue to deliver optimal results to their patients and reduce the need for reoperation.

“The vast array of choice and options available for women can be daunting. Women also have very different motivations for breast surgery. Our goal is to provide a comfortable place where women can find all of the information they need: from feel and appearance of implants to safety and recovery time,” said Alan Gold, MD, vice-chair of the ASPS/ASAPS Breast Implant Task Force.

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.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is the largest organization of board-certified plastic surgeons in the world. With 6,000 members, the society is recognized as a leading authority and information source on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS comprises 90 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.