Toronto, ON — According to the latest statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), breast augmentation is the second most common form of surgical cosmetic enhancement, with more than 316,000 procedures performed in 2011. Liposuction was the most common procedure in 2011 with 325,332 procedures performed; however, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lawrence Tong says breast augmentation is still the most popular surgical procedure at his practice.
According to the ASAPS numbers, of the 316,848 breast augmentation procedures performed, 31% of these procedures used saline implants, while 69% used silicone implants. At his Toronto plastic surgery practice, Dr. Tong says an even greater percentage of patients choose silicone implants: “In Canada, silicone implants have been available for many years longer than in the United States, following the moratorium. I believe this time difference has led to significantly higher utilization of silicone vs. saline implants. In my practice, silicone implants make up more than 95% of the breast implants I use.”
Regardless of whether his patients choose silicone or saline implants, the Toronto plastic surgeon says he urges anyone considering a breast enhancement procedure to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon. He says the process of undergoing multi-year specialty training and passing rigorous examinations in order to become board-certified is unparalleled, and provides surgeons with the tools and techniques to ensure each patient receives the safest care and most effective outcomes: “If someone is considering breast augmentation, it is essential to choose a surgeon who is certified in Plastic surgery by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC), or The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). These are the only surgeons that undergo the entire spectrum of plastic surgery training of the entire face, breast, and body. Practitioners with neither of these credentials may not have the proper training to perform these operations, and cannot be considered true plastic surgeons.”
Another trend that Dr. Tong sees is the increasing number of patients that choose highly cohesive, or “gummy bear,” silicone implants. In addition to an improved natural appearance, Dr. Tong says the newest generation of silicone implants are less likely to rupture or ripple. He predicts that the “gummy bear” implant trend will continue as patients seek out the latest innovations in breast enhancement procedures.
About Lawrence Tong, MD
Dr. Lawrence Tong is double board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the Royal College of Physician and Surgeons of Canada. After earning his medical degree of the University of Toronto, he completed seven years of plastic and reconstructive surgery training at the University of Michigan Medical Center. Dr. Tong is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He was recently appointed as adjunct faculty at the University of Toronto’s Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and remains active in plastic surgery education.
Yorkville Institute of Plastic Surgery is located at 199 Avenue Rd. Toronto, Ontario, and can be reached at (416) 972-0999. Dr. Tong and his team can also be found online at www.myplasticsurgerytoronto.com.
< Dr. Tong featured in May/June 2012 issue of Elevate Magazine Toronto Plastic Surgeon On the Importance of Exercise and Nutrition After Surgery >