40000 British women who have had breast implants made by Poly Implant Prosthese (PIP) will be facing 2012 with some serious worries. What should they do? Who will pay for any treatment they now need? Have they done any long-term damage to their bodies?
Here we answer some of your concerns.
WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?
French authorities shut down a company called Poly Implant Prothese (PIP) when they discovered their breast implants used cheap industrial silicone. Between 40,000 and 50,000 British patients are believed to have received silicone produced by the firm.
WHAT IS THE RISK?
The UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) believes the risk of rupture to be as low as 1{19761799e1353b7a6a49a5f02d3172230495afcde52b198895f8f3ba7ac759cb} and concludes women do not need to get the silicone removed.
But on Monday Tim Goodacre, president of the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons, said he understood why many women will want further surgery.
“Even with a very low rupture rate, we would want to see most implants removed on a staged basis,” the surgeon, who is taking part in the Government-backed investigation, said.
“If you believe a device is faulty, I think this would be true in your car or any other object that you buy, you would want to have that replaced on a staged basis,” he added.
Health Secretary, Andrew Lansley announced a review into data used to assess the risk of implants rupturing on December 31, but insisted there was “no evidence” of safety concerns. He said the Government was doing everything it could to give patients “the best possible advice”.
WHO WILL PAY?
The French government has told the 30,000 French women who have PIP Implants that it will foot the bill in France, but there has been no such declaration by the UK government.
Women who want them removed for ‘peace of mind’ will have to pay the bill themselves. It is hoped clinics will charge ‘cost’ price.
UK regulators have insisted there is no link with cancer and said before the French advice was issued that there was no need for women to have the implants removed.
IS THERE A CANCER RISK?
The authorities in France and Britain have already said categorically that the PIP implants do not carry a breast cancer risk.
I DON’T HAVE PIP IMPLANTS – AM I STILL AT RISK?
No other makes of implant are a problem.
WHO DO I SPEAK TO IF I’M WORRIED?
If you are concerned, you should speak to your surgeon. If you went abroad for surgery, the clinic you attended is no longer in business or you would like some impartial advice then we can recommend Geoff Wilson FRCS FRCS (Plast). Geoff is a highly qualified Plastic Surgeon, with over 25 years of experience in all aspects of Plastic, Reconstructive and Cosmetic Surgery. He is very approachable, and strives to achieve natural looking results in all his work. Click here for contact details.
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