Scottsdale, AZ – According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, breast augmentation was the second most popular surgical procedure in 2011. Of the 316,848 total implant surgeries, the statistics show only 31% used saline implants while 69% used silicone implants. Scottsdale plastic surgeon Dr. Steven H. Turkeltaub says that virtually all of his breast augmentation patients opt for silicone implants after hearing a comprehensive comparison of saline vs. silicone which includes the pros and cons and risks and complications, as well as talking with other women who have breast implants. He states the end result speaks for itself when it comes to the overwhelming superiority of silicone to saline. However, he strongly urges patients to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon before making final decisions regarding their breast augmentation.
Dr. Turkeltaub is highly dedicated to providing the most advanced and highest quality medical care possible for his patients. His practice offers a number of treatments and procedures ranging from breast augmentation and liposuction, to facelift and mommy makeover. Dr. Turkeltaub says that many health care providers aside from plastic surgeons offer a variety of cosmetic procedures, both surgical and non-surgical, and that it is imperative that patients research each doctor’s qualifications including board certification in order to ensure professional, quality and ethical treatment. He adds that obtaining comprehensive information on intricate procedures such as breast reconstruction and implants is essential to be able to make more prudent and informed decisions.
At his Scottsdale plastic surgery practice, Dr. Turkeltaub states that he makes sure that his patients are very well educated on prospective implant procedures, whether it involves breast augmentation or breast reconstruction, before any action is taken. Not only does he discuss the risks and complication as well as advantages and disadvantages of each implant type during the consultation, but he also has his patients examine and actually feel both the silicone and saline implants while he discusses these details and safety issues.
In his recent blog addressing safety concerns related to silicone implants and based on research published in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal, Dr. Turkeltaub notes that there is no substantial evidence supporting the FDA’s global recommendation for all silicone implant recipients to obtain expensive MRI screenings every few years starting soon after surgery – at least for the first 10 years in asymptomatic individuals. In those patients who are experiencing certain specific symptoms or displaying particular findings on examination, MRIs may be helpful. He adds that the ultimate decision to obtain an MRI should be left up to the treating plastic surgeon.
Dr. Turkeltaub says the importance of consulting a board-certified plastic surgeon is evident in many ways. In addition to markedly increasing the likelihood of better results with an increased level of safety and lower risk of complications, he says qualified doctors are also more likely to possess the knowledge and expertise to successfully diagnose and treat problems that may arise both pre and post breast operation. He says factors such as safety and superior aesthetic outcomes, combined with patient experiences and testimonials, lead him to strongly recommend silicone breast implants over saline, although ultimately it is the patient’s decision. Dr. Turkeltaub adds that other issues such as short and long-term expenses, insurance coverage, and durability should also factor into determining which approach is right for each patient.
About Steven H. Turkeltaub, M.D., P.C.
A graduate of the Boston University School of Medicine, Dr. Steven Turkeltaub has been a plastic surgeon in Arizona since 1987. He is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and belongs to many prestigious medical societies including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the Arizona Medical Association, and the Arizona Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. He attends national conferences and meetings every year in order to further his education and remain informed on the latest advancements and techniques in plastic surgery.
Dr. Turkeltaub’s practices are located in Scottsdale at 10290 N. 92nd St. Suite 207, Scottsdale, AZ 85258, and in Glendale at 18275 N. 59th St. Bldg. E. Suite 126, Glendale, AZ 85308. He can be reached via phone at 480-451-3000 as well as online at turkeltaub.com and the Arizona Center for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Facebook page.