ASPS Panel Discusses FDA Hearings on Silicone Breast Implants 10/26/2003
From: Theresa Hill, Kathleen Corcoran, or LaSandra Cooper, all of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 847-228-9900, media@plasticsurgery.org SAN DIEGO, Oct. 26 -- In order to quickly inform its members and the public about the data presented at the Oct. 14 and 15 U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) breast implants hearings as well as the hearings' possible impact, an expert panel will discuss the issue during Plastic Surgery 2003, the annual scientific meeting of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation (PSEF) and the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons (ASMS). The panel is entitled "Silicone Gel-filled Breast Implants: The Current State," which will be held on Sunday, Oct. 26, from 2:15 to 3 p.m. at the San Diego Marriot Hotel/Marina. Susan Wood, PhD, assistant commissioner for the FDA Office of Women's Health, as well as PSEF President Stephen J. Mathes, MD, chair of the National Breast Implant Registry, V. Leroy Young, MD, and ASPS Past President Elvin G. Zook, MD, will participate on the panel to discuss the subject. "At the end of the day, we want plastic surgeons to be totally informed about today's options in order to ensure their patients are knowledgeable," said ASPS President James Wells, MD. "People can't make good choices unless they have all of the facts and all the facts must be accurate. ASPS is dedicated to making certain that plastic surgeons are giving women correct and complete information so they can make the right choices for themselves about implants." In addition to discussing the data presented at the FDA hearings and placing it in context, panelists will analyze recent research, offering information from studies that have contributed valid information about the benefits, risks and complications of silicone implants. "ASPS' primary concern is the safety and health of our patients," stated Dr. Wells. "The aim with this panel is to educate physicians so they can continue to serve their patients' best interests and the plastic surgery community at large." ASPS, founded in 1931, is the largest plastic surgery organization in the world and the foremost authority on cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery. ASPS represents physicians certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) or The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. For referrals to ABPS-certified plastic surgeons in your area and to learn more about cosmetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, call the ASPS at 888-4-PLASTIC (1-888-475-2784) or visit http://www.plasticsurgery.org. ------ Note: Reporters can register to attend Plastic Surgery 2003 by logging on to www.plasticsurgery.org/news_room/Annual-Meeting-Media-Infor mation.cfm or by contacting ASPS Public Relations at 847-228-9900 or in San Diego, October 25-29 at 619-525-6241. |