A recent revelation that a certain type of silicone breast implant is prone to rupture has created a stir throughout Europe and the Middle East. The French government has recommended anyone with the PIP silicone breast implant have them removed. Initial comments that it may be linked to breast cancer have been retracted, however these implants are more likely to rupture and cause leakage of silicone than regular silicone breast implants. Apparently the silicone is industrial strength silicone found similarly in mattresses. Thousands of other patients have had these PIP implants throughout Europe and South America.

Although I do not perform breast surgery, this is another example of the importance of having these procedures performed in the United States rather than abroad for fiscal reasons. The FDA regulates things so tightly that these implants would never have been allowed to be implanted in the US.

Dr. Funk is a board certified facial plastic surgeon in Houston, TX.