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New cohesive gel implant may be next on to market

Ambulatory Surgery Reimbursement Update, October 25, 2005

A new cohesive gel implant that offers patients more natural looking breasts and a low complication rate may be the next type of silicone implant available in the U.S., according to a statement from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would need to approve the devices before they could be marketed and sold.

The new implants have earned positive reviews from patients participating in a recent clinical study. The study has shown that the devices hold better shape than saline implants. They also look and feel more natural, and are available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes to better match breast shapes and chest dimensions.

"I think this is a great device," said Walter Erhardt, MD, chair of the ASPS Public Education Committee and surgeon participant in the study. "It's not perfect and there is going to be a learning curve for surgeons in terms of educating them on how to use the more cohesive gel implants.

"A big criticism of previous implants has been silent rupture and re-operation rates," Erhardt said. "In my opinion, this product has a good chance for a greater longevity rate as well as less complications."

The study was published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the medical journal of the ASPS.

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