Fears over men’s implants

THE same risky methods used to make the controversial ‘PIP’ breast implants were also used for products for men, it has emerged.

French experts have advised women to have the implants removed, after it was found a non-medical grade of silicone was used in them and they were twice as likely to leak as other implants. Possible links with cancer cases have been raised.

Now Le Parisien reports that ex-workers of the makers, Poly Implant Prothèse, say they used the same materials to make prostheses for men who had had testicles removed after disease, as well as chest and buttock implants for aesthetic purposes.

Most of the products were for export, the workers reportedly said.

Health products safety agency Afssaps said that the firm had only declared production of breast implants.

The news comes as a ministerial committee meets today at the Health Ministry to discuss issues surrounding the 30,000 women thought to have the PIP implants in France.