Posted on Wed, Apr. 12, 2006

http://www.mercurynews.com/mld/mercurynews/news/breaking_news/14327829.htm

Beverly Hills doctor accused of conspiring to smuggle implants

Associated Press

A plastic surgeon has been charged with conspiring to smuggle illegal silicone breast implants into the country for use by his patients.

Dr. Frederic H. Corbin, 62, was indicted by a federal grand jury in February and could face up to 10 years in prison if he is convicted of conspiracy and falsifying patients' records.

Trial was set for May 2, but prosecutors on Wednesday filed a motion to continue the case to October, U.S. attorney's spokesman Thom Mrozek said.

Attorney Drew Cicconi denied that his client created false records and blamed the allegations on a disgruntled former employee.

"He's tried to be nice to people and sometimes gets into trouble for that," Cicconi said.

Silicone implants have been restricted in the United States for over a decade because of fears that ruptures and leakage might damage women's health. Some mastectomy patients have continued to receive them. They also are permitted for use in research.

The implants are highly sought because they are believed to appear more natural than saline-filled implants.

Corbin has offices in Beverly Hills and the Orange County city of Brea.

In July 2001, the Food and Drug Administration received a tip from a former employee, who told investigators that Corbin's log book indicated he had placed French-made implants into several women.

Court documents allege that Corbin began using banned implants as early as 1996. He allegedly imported some from Tijuana, Mexico.

In the 1990s, Corbin was taking part in a research program using American-made silicone implants for women with health problems that required reconstructive surgery.

The indictment alleges that he falsified the records of three healthy women so they cou