Silicone Gel Breast Implants

 MDA (now MHRA) produced two reports reviewing scientific literature on the suggested links between silicone gel breast implants and connective tissue disease. The reports describe the analysis and conclusions of the Department of Health's Independent Expert Advisory Group on breast implants who concluded that there was no evidence of an increased incidence of connective tissue disease associated with silicone gel breast implants. They therefore saw no reason to alter current practice or policy in the UK. The reports were published in :

• 1993 - 'Evidence for an association between the implantation of silicones and connective tissue disease'.
• 1994 - ' Evaluation of Evidence for an association between the implantation of silicones and connective tissue disease'.

In May 1997, the Independent Review Group (IRG) on silicone gel breast implants was established in response to concerns expressed by women. The Group was set up by the Chief Medical Officer, at the request of the Minister of Health, Baroness Jay. Its remit was :

"to review the evidence relating to the possible health risks associated with silicone gel breast implants, to examine the issues relating to pre-operative patient information, and to report to the Chief Medical Officer on its conclusions".

The report of the Group was presented to the Chief Medical Officer on 14 July 1998.