AACS Releases 2003 Guidelines for Breast Augmentation Surgery

CHICAGO -- The American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery (AACS) has released its 2003 Guidelines for Breast Augmentation Surgery. As the popularity of cosmetic surgery continues to grow, these guidelines serve as recommendations for physicians to ensure the safest and most effective care for patients.

Key points of the 2003 Guidelines for Breast Augmentation Surgery include:

-- Surgeons of various specialties may perform breast augmentation surgery with proper education, training, experience and qualifications

-- Breast augmentation surgery is primarily learned during a surgeon's post-residency training through fellowships, proctorships, didactic courses and live surgery workshops

-- Surgeons are encouraged to obtain continuing medical education specifically in the field of breast augmentation surgery

-- Breast augmentation surgery may be performed in a fully-equipped accredited, peer-reviewed surgery facility, ambulatory surgery center, or inpatient hospital and must use sterile technique

-- Patients should be thoroughly informed about the nature of breast implants, various surgical options, outcomes and potential risks and must give informed consent

For more information regarding the 2003 Guidelines for Breast Augmentation Surgery, visit www.cosmeticsurgery.org.