What Doctors Don't Tell YouRupture of silicone breast implants is more common than previously suspected, because the implants have a very short life span, according to new research.
The latest study, from University Hospital in Amsterdam, found that between 1988 and 1995, 182 patients had their silicone implant replaced, repositioned or removed one to three times. As many as 50 per cent of implants aged seven to 10 years showed gel bleed or rupture. In fact, rupture proved to be even more common than gel bleed (JAMA, 1988; 279: 567).
l Numerous doctors argue that it is mainly the second generation implants (produced between 1973 and the mid1980s) which fail to last over time and that first (1963-72) and third generation implants (from mid 1980s) have remained intact over time (Lancet, 1998; 351: 520-1).
Daniel Redwood DC
Tom Ferguson MD
