Will Silicone Breast Implants Re-Emerge on the U.S. Market? Speaking Out In Support of Silicone Breast Implants In Light of F.D.A. Hearing International Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Laurence Kirwan Addresses the Silicone Debate

Dr. Laurence Kirwan, an internationally acclaimed Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, renowned for originating two innovative breast augmentation techniques, is speaking out in support of silicone breast implants. Dr. Kirwan, with practices in London, England, New York City and Connecticut, an advocate of silicone breast implants has used silicone implants almost exclusively for breast augmentation procedures in his practice in the United Kingdom for the last five years and is available to speak to the media about the benefits of silicone implants and to dispel the publics concerns of safety. "Silicone gel implants compare very favorably with many other devices on the market. In my experience, silicone implants reduce the risk of leaking which is a much ignored complication of saline implants. I see at least four patients a year with sudden deflation of a saline implant and I cannot remember seeing a single silicone leakage in the last five years. We usually replace leaking saline implants with silicone gel," added Kirwan.

Norwalk, CT (PRWEB) October 15, 2003 - Dr. Laurence Kirwan, an internationally acclaimed Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, renowned for originating two innovative breast augmentation techniques, is speaking out in support of silicone breast implants in light of the F.D.A.s consideration of approving the controversial implants after a 10-year hiatus. The silicone implants were removed from the U.S. market in 1992 with the concern that the silicone posed a health risk to recipients.

On the urgings of Inamed Corporation, a maker of silicone breast implants, the F.D.A. will gather an expert advisory committee to meet in Gaithersburg, Md. to consider whether the implants are safe enough to return to the U.S. market. The companys data and the case of implant supporters and critics alike will be heard on Tuesday, October 14, 2003 with sessions scheduled to run from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Wednesday, October 15th, 2003 from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Dr. Kirwan, with practices in London, England, New York City and Connecticut, an advocate of silicone breast implants has used silicone implants almost exclusively for breast augmentation procedures in his practice in the United Kingdom for the last five years and is available to speak to the media about the benefits of silicone implants and to dispel the publics concerns of safety.

Dr. Kirwan prefers the silicone implant to saline implants for aesthetic reasons, such as the look and feel. Silicone implants have same body temperature and same viscosity.

There are also fewer complaints from patients of rippling and wrinkling.

My primary concerns are safety and patient satisfaction. I fully support the FDAs ongoing regulatory process regarding breast implants," comments Kirwan. Silicone gel implants compare very favorably with many other devices on the market. In my experience, silicone implants reduce the risk of leaking which is a much ignored complication of saline implants. I see at least four patients a year with sudden deflation of a saline implant and I cannot remember seeing a single silicone leakage in the last five years. We usually replace leaking saline implants with silicone gel," added Kirwan.

Addressing the safety concern of the silicone implants, Dr. Kirwan refers to the recent studies conducted on the safety of the implants. In 1999, the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine (IOM)(5) issued an extensive report that found no scientific evidence of an association between breast implants and disease. A National Institutes of Health report to Congress included its assessment of research on the long-term health effects of breast implants. The report echoed the findings of the IOM, stating there was not sufficient evidence to support any relationship between implants and connective tissue disorders. In addition, a report of the National Cancer Institute concluded that women with implants showed a slight decrease in the risk for breast cancer. At previous breast implant hearings, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) expressed concerns about why women may not return for follow-up visits after breast augmentation; the reasons for reoperation; and whether women have the information they need to make informed choices about surgery. In a recent study funded by the Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation (ASERF), more than 5,000 anonymously surveyed women have addressed these concerns.

About Laurence Kirwan, M.D., F.R.C.S., F.A.C.S.
Dr. Laurence Kirwan is British born international Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Hair Transplant Surgeon practicing in Norwalk, CT, New York City and in London, England. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Laurence Kirwan is not only a leading aesthetic plastic surgeon, but also a pioneer in the field of cosmetic surgery. He has developed several unique procedures--two for breasts, one for liposuction and, very recently, a body lifting technique, which he practices on both sides of the Atlantic. Widely published in medical journals, Dr. Kirwan is a sought-after speaker internationally. During 2001, 500 cosmetic surgeons attended three teaching workshops he was invited to give in the USA. Dr. Kirwan resides in Westport, CT and Knightsbridge, London.

For further information on Dr. Laurence Kirwan, visit his websites at www.drkirwan.com and www.surgicalbreastenhancement.com. Press Kits are available upon request.
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