London - Breast implants filled with soyabean-oil have been withdrawn in Britain because of health concerns, the government said yesterday. Hospitals and cosmetic surgery clinics have been advised not to use the Trilucent implant because not enough is known about its long-term safety and possible effects on the body.
The decision came after discussions between the Department of Health and LipoMatrix/Collagen Aesthetics International, the California-based makers of the product.
"The Medical Devices Agency (MDA) has received reports of local complications in a small number of women who have Trilucent implants," the deputy chief medical officer said in a statement. "There has been no evidence of permanent injury or harm to general health. However, on the precautionary principle we consider that no more of these devices should be implanted," he added. The MDA is a section of the Department of Health.
Meanwhile, in London, a woman who lost a breast after an alleged delay in diagnosis by a top cancer specialist was yesterday awarded £50,000 High Court damages. A medical secretary, Mrs Christine Melton (51), said she wanted her story to give a "huge message" to all women.