An information booklet warning women about potential problems that may arise following breast implant surgery will be given to doctors' surgeries around the country, it was confirmed today.
Minister for Health Mary Harney said the booklet was being published after the European Parliament identified a need for women to be provided with more information.
"I am pleased to launch this important publication which warns about the potential problems that may be associated with breast implant surgery.
"It is vital that anyone considering this procedure has full information so that they can make an informed decision," Ms Harney said.
The booklet 'Breast Implants - Information for Women Considering Breast Implants' was produced on behalf of the Health Department by a sub-committee from the Advisory Committee for Medical Devices at the Irish Medicines Board.
Halina Ashdown Sheils, the managing director of Advanced Cosmetic Surgery, said the booklet will provide much needed guidance to any person considering having breast implants in Ireland.
But Ms Ashdown Sheils said the booklet did not go far enough on emphasising the importance of aftercare.
"Aftercare is crucial in order to reduce the risks that the booklet outlines. For example people who elect to travel abroad for surgery will most likely not have access to their surgeon once they return home and are put at risk if anything goes wrong on the road to recovery," she said.
"We consider a full and comprehensive aftercare service to be a vital element of any procedure and have long called for industry regulation to ensure these standards are upheld by all cosmetic surgery providers."
She added: "Both in-depth advance consultation and follow up 24/7 aftercare should be non-negotiable."
Ms Ashdown Shiels said the company was pleased the booklet advises people to consult with a surgeon and have every question answered before deciding to go ahead with any procedure.
Some of the issues covered in the publication include the short-term effects of surgery, the long-term risks of breast implantation and the choice of surgeon. The booklet will be circulated to plastic surgeons, specialist breast care nurses, general practitioners and is also available free of charge from the Health Department.