There are several forms of the chemical in breast implants that can cause a problem in the human organism. Silicon (Si) is the basic element and probably causes immune system changes. Silica or SiO2 is the form it is mined from the earth. Silicone gel is a synthetic material containing 38% silicon. The silica is 45% silicon. There is slow leakage (“bleeding”) of the silicone gel from the implants through the semi-permeable membrane envelope and also into and through the capsule that surrounds the implants. This is picked up by the microphages (scavenger cells) of our immune system and is broken down inside these cells which travel all over the body. The gel breaks down inside these cells, which travel all over the body. The gel breaks down into Silica and Silicon which causes an immune system dysregulation. Thus, there are antibodies produced against the silicon and also against the silicon and protein complex (organ systems) so that you get autoimmune illness. read more
Breast enlargement implant patients have a rate of 3% suffering leakage within three years causing a deflated implant. read more
The Next Stop for Plastic Surgeons Will be Bankruptcy Court The next stop for 200 plastic surgeons from Pennsylvania in their case against Dow Corning will be bankruptcy court. After having met the January 15 deadline for filing proofs of claim in the Dow Corning bankruptcy, they moved for permission to file a class wide proof of claim and for class certification. The Committee for Tort Claimants and the Committee Representing Unsecured Creditors joined the defendant Dow Corning in objecting to the motion. A hearing before Bankruptcy Judge Arthur Spector is scheduled for April 14, 1997. The lawsuit, Hurwitz,et. al. vs. Dow Corning, Inc. et. al, was originally filed in July 1994 in Philadelphia Common Pleas Courts against Dow Corning, Baxter International, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Corp. The Class is defined as “All persons licensed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as medical doctors who have also demonstrated learned methods and proficiency in the medical specialty of plastic and reconstructive surgery, as demonstrated by certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons, a credentialing body; and have performed breast reconstructive or cosmetic surgery on women in Pennsylvania since 1975, utilizing silicone gel implant devises manufactured or sold by one or more of the defendant class members…” read more
The FDA has produced this brochure to highlight the more common problems that occur in the breast or chest area (local complications), when you choose to have silicone gel-filled or saline-filled breast implants. read more
