Silicone Breast Implants Making A Comeback

Silicone Breast Implants

According to Millennium Research Group's Global Markets for Breast Implants 2008 report, the US breast implant market, worth over $378 million in 2007, will grow to over $620 million in 2012, driven in large part by the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) reapproval of silicone breast implants. In addition, fourth-generation silicone breast implants, known as "gummybear" implants, are set to take off over the next five years and will further drive market growth. Gummybear implants eliminate the potential for gel migration because of the extremely cohesive nature of the material inside.

In 1992, silicone breast implants were taken off the US market because of concerns that leakages could lead to various connective tissue diseases or cancer. A four-year study of the implants, however, determined that the devices are safe for use, which resulted in the November 2006 FDA reapproval of the products. This decision has generated excitement among US surgeons and patients alike, many of whom believe that these implants mimic breast tissue better than saline and therefore result in a more natural look and feel to the breast.

"Over the next five years, increased societal acceptance of breast augmentation procedures as well as penetration of higher-priced silicone implants will drive market growth," says Aviva Shedletzky, Analyst at Millennium Research Group. "By 2012, nearly 80% of breast implants sold in the US will be silicone. Given that these products command approximately double the price of the saline alternative, revenues will increase."

The Global Markets for Breast Implants 2008 report provides coverage of the US, Canada, Spain, Germany, France, Italy, UK, Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, China, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and India. Selected companies covered in this report include Allergan, Mentor, Silimed (Sientra), and Eurosilicone, and many others.