$Unique_ID{BRK02087}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Silicone Breast Implants and Continuing Research}
$Subject{silicone breast implants breasts The Food and Drug Administration FDA
silicone gel immune related disorders cancer cosmetic surgery surgical
implant}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Anatomy of the Breast*0002601.scf
Anatomy of the Female Chest*0005301.scf}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Silicone Breast Implants and Continuing Research


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QUESTION:  You don't read much in the press these days about silicone breast
implants, though there certainly was enough some time back.  What is going on?
I thought there was a study going on.  Some of us still have many questions
that were unanswered, and I hope you can provide new information to me.  Can
you please oblige.

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ANSWER:  After all the news which I am sure you followed closely The Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) adopted a policy, recommended by its advisory panel,
to impose tight restrictions on the use of silicone gel implants, while
continuing studies.  Various universities, including the University of
Michigan and New York University, are researching possible immune related
disorders, while the National Cancer Institute is studying the risks of
cancer.  Meanwhile the manufacturers are studying safety factors on a
timetable imposed by the FDA.  However, it may be years before we hear about
results, and that doesn't help the women who need answers to their many
questions now.  You may be able to find the answer to your questions by
contacting the FDA.  For written information write to:  FDA, Breast Implant
Information, HFE-88, 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20857, or call (301)
443-3170.  You may also gain a great deal of information from the reprint of
an article in the "FDA Consumer Magazine" entitled "Silicone Breast Implants"
obtainable from the same sources given above.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.