Posted on December 13, 2011 in Press Releases
Plastic Surgeon in Chicago on Registering Breast Implants after Augmentation
In collaboration with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has recently been establishing a national registry for breast implants to document information on each individual patient’s breast implant type and medical history with the procedure. While the registry is not mandatory, Dr. Brian Braithwaite, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Chicago, says it can offer patients and surgeons access to previously unavailable information that will help track success with breast implants and also pinpoint areas for improvement.
At his Chicago plastic surgery practice, Dr. Brian Braithwaite says he is encouraging his breast augmentation patients to be diligent in their post-operative care and follow-ups by participating in a recently established breast implant registry. The registry, while not mandatory at this time, is being implemented to help surgeons and implant manufacturers track the success of implants and improve their quality. By keeping record of the implant type and medical history of every patient, Dr. Braithwaite says he hopes the registry will offer valuable information to further enhance safety for patients. For his patients who have undergone a procedure to have breast implants in Chicago, he says registering with the program ensures safe documentation that can aid in the improvement of patient care and quality implant manufacturing.
Developed to help record reported cases of a rare condition called Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) are currently working on extending the registry to encompass all breast implant patients. Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) is a treatable condition that manifests in scar tissue, found in only 34 patients out of the five to ten million in the world who have had breast implants. Dr. Braithwaite says he supports the FDA and ASPS efforts and urges his Chicago breast augmentation patients to participate in the registry. He says that the registry can aid in promoting the future of breast implant technology by tracking data to show which implants are most effective and which implants are associated with the most complications. “As the ASPS establishes a national registry with the FDA, our society will help to foster better insight into this extremely rare condition related to scar tissue around the implant. In the long run, more scientific data is always more beneficial to silicone breast augmentation patients because it enhances the safety of these devices.”
For patients who have already undergone breast augmentation or are considering a procedure involving breast implants, Dr. Braithwaite says to be sure to consult a surgeon who supports breast implant registration. He adds that by encouraging patients to register their implants, doctors display their commitment to patient care and the future of the safe practice of breast augmentation and reconstruction. “All ASPS member surgeons should continue to embrace the recommendations of both the ASPS and the FDA because the information obtained from such a registry contributes to patient safety, a paramount concern in cosmetic surgery.”
About Brian M. Braithwaite, MD
Dr. Brian Braithwaite graduated from the University of Chicago and received his medical education at the University of Illinois College of Medicine. After completing a surgical internship in Chicago, he joined the United States Navy and served a tour with the Marines. Dr. Braithwaite resumed formal surgical training during a residency in general surgery at Keesler Medical Center at Keesler Air Force Base, where he focused on plastic surgery. He also received extensive training in plastic surgery at the University of Louisville. Dr. Braithwaite is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. During his time with the military, he achieved the rank of Commander and spent several years of active duty as the Chief of Plastic Surgery at Bethesda Naval Medical Center.
Located at 601 West Randolph Street in Chicago, IL, Dr. Braithwaite’s practice can be reached at (312) 361-8108. He can also be contacted online via the website drbraithwaite.com or facebook.com/drbraithwaite.
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Posted on November 3, 2011 in Press Releases
Plastic Surgeon in Chicago on ASAPS Statistics on Silicone Breast Implants
According to the latest study by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), of the 318,123 breast augmentation procedures performed in 2010, 62% used silicone breast implants. Breast augmentation was the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure last year. Dr. Brian Braithwaite, a plastic surgeon in Chicago, says that he has seen an even higher percentage of patients opting for silicone implants at his practice. Dr. Braithwaite discusses the ASAPS statistics concerning breast augmentation and reasons for the overwhelming popularity of silicone implants.
At his center for plastic surgery in Chicago, Dr. Brian Braithwaite says a vast majority of patients are choosing silicone implants for breast augmentation patients rather than saline. The latest statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) confirm Dr. Braithwaite’s observations on a national scale as 62% of the more than 318,000 breast augmentation procedures used silicone implants. “In my practice, more than 90% of patients choose silicone breast implants. I discuss both saline and silicone implants, explain the pros and cons of each type, and allow patients to make their own decision. Younger patients who are not eligible for silicone implants make up most of the 10% that choose saline.”
Dr. Braithwaite says the popularity of silicone implants at his practice reflects the overall growth in demand for breast augmentation in Chicago. He also adds that his patients continue to select silicone breast implants in a vast majority of cases due to their natural aesthetic appeal. “Patients nationwide likely prefer silicone implants over saline implants because they feel more natural.”
After discontinuing their use in 1996, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration extensively researched silicone breast implants and re-approved them in 2006 for breast augmentation patients age 22 and over and breast reconstruction for patients of all ages. Dr. Braithwaite says the new generation of silicone breast implants offers both enhanced safety and quality results. “I think the most important factor to consider is a patient’s happiness over time. Although silicone implants cost twice as much as saline implants, this added cost is rather minimal when one considers the years of added satisfaction. In addition, the safety of silicone implants has clearly been established via numerous studies, making this previous concern much less of an issue at the present time.”
As advancements in implant techniques and technology continue to emerge, Dr. Braithwaite says, above all else, he stresses the importance of consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon before undergoing any procedure. He also adds that patients seeking breast augmentation or any treatment should consider all of the plastic surgery options available.
About Brian M. Braithwaite, MD
Dr. Brian Braithwaite received his undergraduate degree from the University of Chicago and his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago. He completed his general surgery training at Keesler Medical Center, Keesler Air Force Base, and his plastic surgery residency at the University of Louisville. Dr. Braithwaite is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Dr. Braithwaite’s practice, the Aesthetic Institute of Chicago, is located at 601 West Randolph Street in Chicago, IL and can be contacted at (312) 361-8108. The practice can also be reached online at drbraithwaite.com or facebook.com/drbraithwaite.
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Posted on August 18, 2011 in Press Releases
Plastic Surgeon in Chicago Reflects ASAPS Breast Augmentation Statistics
At his Chicago plastic surgery practice, Dr. Brian Braithwaite says breast augmentation is the most common procedure he performs. The most recent study released by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) reported similar results showing over 318,000 procedures performed, setting it apart as the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure. Dr. Braithwaite discusses the increasing popularity of breast augmentation in Chicago and says he is not surprised as the procedure continues to be perfected and techniques become increasingly more accurate and effective.
According to a recent study by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), the most frequently performed surgical procedure is breast augmentation. Dr. Brian Braithwaite, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Chicago, says his practice has reflected these statistics and has also seen a rise in the number of overall cosmetic surgical procedures. The ASAPS study also reported a 9% increase in demand for plastic surgery. Following breast augmentation, liposuction and eyelid surgery are two other top procedures listed in the survey.
The study released by the ASAPS notes an increase in overall approval rating of cosmetic plastic surgery amongst Americans, rising to 51% of the total population. With the recession easing and job markets starting to show signs of opening up again, Dr. Braithwaite says patients are more willing to undergo procedures that could enhance their appearance and give them an aesthetic edge over the competition.
Dr. Braithwaite also says the popularity of breast augmentation and overall plastic surgery procedures is most likely a result of the vast array of innovative and cutting edge techniques for producing minimal scarring and natural shape. He adds that as surgeons continue to pursue methods that lead to higher quality results, the demand for breast implants and other cosmetic enhancements will increase as well. “I find that breast augmentation is popular in my practice because it provides a safe and durable result with a very brief recovery period.”
About Dr. Braithwaite
Dr. Brian Braithwaite completed his undergraduate degree program at the University of Chicago and his medical education at the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago. After a surgical internship in Chicago, he served as a flight surgeon in the United States Navy. Dr. Braithwaite completed his residency in General Surgery at Keesler Medical Center, Keesler Air Force Base and his Plastic Surgery residency at the University of Louisville. He is a board-certified plastic surgeon, a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Located at 601 West Randolph Street in Chicago, IL, Dr. Braithwaite’s practice, The Aesthetic Institute of Chicago, can be contacted at (312) 361-8108. They also can be reached online via their website drbraithwaite.com or facebook.com/drbraithwaite.
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Posted on February 7, 2011 in Press Releases
Chicago Plastic Surgeon Dr. Braithwaite Attends the Baker Gordon Symposium
One of the premier plastic surgery events will take place in Miami from February 10-12, 2011. As a board-certified plastic surgeon in Chicago, Dr. Brian Braithwaite says the Annual Baker Gordon Educational Symposium is extremely important to him because he believes tradition and innovation are essential to a successful plastic surgery practice, regardless of whether he is performing breast augmentation or BOTOX ® injections.
The 45th Annual Baker Gordon Educational Symposium will take place this February 10-12 in Miami, jointly sponsored by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). As the premier event in the aesthetic enhancement industry, Dr. Brian Braithwaite says embodying the innovative spirit and extensive expertise present at the Baker Gordon Symposium is an integral part of the success he has experienced at his Chicago plastic surgery practice.
Dr. Braithwaite says he is looking forward to this year’s symposium because it affords him the chance to discuss the latest shift in cosmetic surgery with the most talented pool of plastic surgeons from around the globe. As the industry continues to recognize the benefits of effectively combining surgical contouring and volume addition, Dr. Braithwaite says he firmly believes this is the wave of the future for cosmetic procedures ranging from breast augmentation to tummy tuck surgery.
At the Aesthetic Institute of Chicago, Dr. Braithwaite says he is passionate about pushing the level of innovation in the field of plastic surgery, whether he is performing a subtle enhancement with dermal fillers, a more dramatic transformation with liposuction or a tummy tuck, or the combination of a number of procedures such as the mommy makeover. He adds that attending events such as the Baker Gordon Symposium provides him and his colleagues with the chance to interact and creates a communal hotspot for further improving patient safety and satisfaction.
About Dr. Braithwaite
Brian M. Braithwaite, MD earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago. After a surgical internship, he joined the United States Navy to become a flight surgeon. Following a tour with the Marines, Dr. Braithwaite became a resident in general surgery at Keesler Medical Center, and then went on to the University of Louisville where he completed his plastic surgery residency. Once his training was complete, he became a staff plastic surgeon at Bethesda Naval Medical Center, where he treated a number of troops from overseas, as well as breast reconstruction patients from the Breast Care Center. Dr. Braithwaite is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.
The Aesthetic Institute of Chicago is located at 601 West Randolph St. in Chicago, IL 60661 and can be reached at (312) 361-8108, or found online at www.drbraithwaite.com/ or the Aesthetic Institute of Chicago – Brian M. Braithwaite, MD Facebook page.
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Posted on January 26, 2010 in Press Releases
In November 2006, after a 14-year moratorium, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of silicone breast implants for most breast augmentation and reconstruction procedures. Chicago breast augmentation surgeon, Dr. Brian Braithwaite, shares his thoughts on their safety and effectiveness.
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Posted on September 14, 2009 in Press Releases
Dr. Brian Braithwaite, a homegrown Chicago cosmetic plastic surgeon, returns to his roots after service in the military and opens a state-of-the-art aesthetic enhancement practice. Read more…
