Dr. J.A has offered the following draft as a starting point for informed consent on breast implants.  His hope is that this draft will begin a discussion on exactly what should be contained in an informed consent  document and welcomes your suggestions.  His identity and email will be released on an individual basis and all appropriate comments will be forwarded and posted in a discussion section.

Suggestion From A Doctor on "Informed Consent"

DRAFT:

I understand that the implants I am about to receive release silicone continuously into my body tissues.

I understand that the silicone will migrate to other parts of my body and that it will be impossible to totally remove the silicone at a later date, even by removing the implants and surrounding breast tissues.

I understand that the long term consequences of having these implants and silicone in my body are unknown because they have not been adequately tested.

I understand that even silicone-envelope, saline or other non-silicone-filled implants have not been tested long term, and that bits of the silicone envelope will likely shed into surrounding tissues over time.

I understand that the implants are likely to rupture after several years, and that removal of all the materials will be difficult or impossible, and that one to many additional operations may be required.

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J.L.A., MD