New Push For Silicone Implants
New Push For Silicone Implants
Written by the Associated Press
Last Updated: 4/12/2005 4:29:20 PM
Thirteen years ago, the Food and Drug Administration banned the use of silicone breast implants because they were possibly connected to a long list of health problems.
Now some scientist say they've found that those implants might not be as dangerous as they once thought.
Today an FDA panel heard both sides of the debate.
Audrey Barnes' Report
There were some women at the hearing who support silicone gel implants.
But dozens of others said they were left with crippling scars and health problems after they ruptured.
The FDA is holding three days of hearings to debate whether two manufacturers have proved their implants are safe enough to be back on the market.
Thirty-seven year old Cindy Marshall got her silicone gel implants as a birthday present when she turned 21. They ruptured and her life has never been the same.
Marshall had her implants removed last year after she was diagnosed with silicone poisoning.
Sybil Goldrich says her silicone implants were a nightmare also.
Two manufacturers, Inamed and the Mentor corporation say today's implants are much improved, and they want the FDA to allow them back on the market.
The two companies filed studies which claim the rupture rate after three or four years is roughly one to 20 percent.
Doctor Edward Melmed who now only removes silicone implants says the long term implications are frightening. Every woman in Zora Brown's family for four generations has had breast cancer including two sisters who died from it.
She believes silicone implants should be on the market so women who need reconstructive surgery have some options.
This is the second time in less than two years that the FDA has debated silicone gel breast implants.
In 2003 a panel of experts said they should be allowed back on the market.
The FDA declined to follow their recommendation.
They were sold for decades but in 1992 the FDA implemented some new restrictions.
Since then only women involved in research studies are able to get silicone implants.
