Inamed Says SEC Staff to Support Ending Probe

Silicone breast-implant maker Inamed Corp. said Wednesday that Securities and Exchange Commission staff would recommend closing a formal inquiry into the company.

The company was told in February that the commission had begun a probe probably related to disclosures about one style of silicone breast implant. The company said it cooperated. That model of implant accounted for less than 1% of Inamed's 2004 sales, the filing said.

The Santa Barbara-based company said in an SEC filing that the SEC staff would recommend no enforcement. That doesn't ensure that the SEC will accept the recommendation or that the scope of the investigation won't change or expand, according to the filing.

Inamed didn't return a call for comment.

The company is seeking U.S. approval to expand sales of silicone breast implants for cosmetic uses.