San Francisco, California-Dow Corning is once again in the news as the final deadline to submit an explant claim is fast approaching.

The Dow Corning Plan of Reorganization set June 2, 2014 as the deadline for eligible claimants to file for Explant Benefits. To be eligible, you must already be registered in the database, and the deadline for that was August 2004.

The $5,000 explant benefit (for class 5 only) is for women who have their Dow Corning silicone implants removed by June 2, 2014. Women who replace their Dow Corning implants with new silicone implants will not be eligible for the award; however, saline implants are allowed. To file a claim, you must submit the Explant Form and the operative report from the explant surgery.

If you choose to participate in the Explant Assistance Program, please be aware that these claims may take up to 60 days to process.

Dow Corning has had a vast number of individual and class action lawsuits regarding their silicone breast implants, starting in 1977 and growing to over 20,000 claims by 1995.

Shell of 1976 Dow Implant

Shell of 1976 Dow Implant

Silicone being removed from 1976 Dow Corning implant

Silicone being removed from 1976 Dow Corning implant

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Connie Chung’s show “Face to Face with Connie Chung” is credited with bringing widespread public attention to the dubious safety of silicone breast implants of that time. The show aired in 1990 where Ms. Chung interviewed women who claimed their autoimmune disease was caused by their silicone breast implants, used in their breast augmentation surgery. Her report was a consumer opinion rather than based on scientific study.  Due to the reaction of thousands of women who saw the show,  in 1992 the FDA responded to their complaints by severely restricting the use of silicone implants by imposing a moratorium on the use of silicone gel-filled implants, (except in the case of clinical trials for breast reconstruction patients). The moratorium was not because the implants were proved to be dangerous but because the manufacturers had been unable to prove them safe.

After many years of research and clinical trials, in 2006 the FDA deemed the newer silicone implants to be safe and lifted the moratorium. It didn’t take long for silicone to become the number one choice for 80% for women having breast augmentation surgery due to their more natural feel.

Claims for damages continue to be filed with the “Settlement Facility for Dow Corning Trust” (SFDCT). If you previously filed to be part of the class action suit, you most likely are aware of the deadlines and are getting letters from SFDCT. Meanwhile, many deadlines have already passed. Go to this link to see the schedule for deadlines: https://www.sfdct.com/_sfdct/index.cfm/deadlines/.  For instructions for filing forms and additional information go to the SFDCT site: https://www.sfdct.com/_sfdct/index.cfm/. Their phone number is (866) 874-6099.

As a breast revision specialist since 1988, Dr. Delgado has treated hundreds of women in the San Francisco Bay Area for breast implant removal and/or replacement. If you have any issues with your breast implants, call or email today for a consultation with Dr. Delgado at (415) 898-4161 to find out what your options are.