BAAPS: TRILUCENT BREAST IMPLANTS WARNING

British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons recommend reviewing implants

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (www.baaps.org.uk), today issued a warning for women who were implanted with Trilucent breast implants. Trilucent breast implants are filled with soya bean oil and were sold in the UK between 1995 and 1999.

The Medical Devices Agency (now part of the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, MHRA) has provided an information fact sheet which is now available on the BAAPS Web site (www.baaps.org.uk), under the "Press Articles" section.

An independent study set up to investigate potential risks has recently been completed, and confirmed there is a risk of exposure to harmful breakdown products that can react with tissue surrounding the implant.

According to Adam Searle, Consultant Plastic Surgeon and President of the BAAPS;

If you still have these implants, contact your surgeon to arrange a consultation to discuss the risks associated with these implants. As responsible providers, BAAPS members stringently follow all Department of Health guidelines.

The Trilucent Care Centre, set up in 2000 by AEI Inc. (the company that assumed liability for Trilucent implants) to coordinate the care of women who had received these implants, including payment of incurred costs, will close on 31 December 2004 . After that date there is no guarantee costs will be reimbursed.

For more information and useful numbers, please review the material on the BAAPS web site or call our advice line at 020 8405 2234.

(18/10/04)