Description

The global market for breast implants includes both saline and silicone implants. The US is the largest market, accounting for the majority of all breast implant sales. Silicone implants were banned in the US and Canada until 2006, in Australia until 2001, and in South Korea until 2007. Since the bans were lifted, this type of implant has contributed to strong unit growth in these countries. Growth in North America will be driven primarily by the adoption of silicone devices, whereas in Latin America, demand will mainly stem from societal pressures to achieve physical beauty. In Europe, the implant market will grow more slowly as high-priced anatomical implants continue to penetrate the market. The Asia Pacific market will exhibit varied trends. India, South Korea, and Thailand will take advantage of their growing reputation as inexpensive medical tourism destinations. China is the only country that will exhibit a revenue decline due to a ban on breast implant marketing imposed in 2007.

This report incorporates information gathered using MRG's End-User Analytics service. This methodology involves a combination of up to three approaches to data collection: surveys, one-on-one interviews, and focus groups. Respondents can include physicians, surgeons, nurses, specialists, and/or administrators.

Report Highlights:

-Since the ban on silicone implants was lifted in North America, this implant type has contributed to strong market growth due to increased consumer confidence in the product's safety and its higher cost compared to saline implants.

-Latin America will experience some of the highest growth rates among the world. Brazil, the region's largest market and one of the largest in the global market, will experience strong growth through 2012.

-Most markets in the Asia Pacific region will grow strongly in terms of procedure volumes due to greater social acceptance of cosmetic procedures, and as strengthening economies result in rising disposable incomes. Procedure volumes in China, however, will decline significantly because of the ban on advertising berast augmentation procedures on the radio and television.