Breast implants, in particular those of the textured variety, have been the subject of various studies in Canada to determine their longevity and whether they cause any adverse health effects to women who received the implants.
In a recent report which was published in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal, one plastic surgeon conducted an analysis of 539 implants which were surgically removed from his patients.
Dr. Nicholas Carr, of Vancouver, British Columbia, found after his analysis that Biocell textured breast implants containing silicone, manufactured by Allergan, had the shortest “shelf life” of any implant, including the more common gel or saline based products. Dr. Carr determined that the Biocell breast implants had a life span of approximately 4 years while saline products lasted up to 7 years. In 1 out of 4 cases, Dr. Carr said that the removal of the implants was required due to severe pain in the patient.
In the early 1990s silicone based implants was reviewed by Health Canada and in 1992 the regulatory body issued a moratorium on the use of that type of implant due to potential issues with rupturing. It was not until 2006 that silicone implants were reintroduced to the Canadian market, including the Biocell breast implants manufactured by Allergan.
In addition to the concerns with the longevity of the Biocell breast implants, a number of other medical professionals are voicing their concern over the silicone implants and the serious and adverse side effects that their patients are encountering after receiving the Biocell breast implant.
Many patients have reported to their medical professional that they have developed a number of side effects including hair loss, ongoing pain, fatigue, headaches, memory and bowel issues after receiving the Biocell breast implants.