Guidance

Advice on PiP implants

The latest advice from the NHS and plastic surgery experts is that women with PiP breast implants do not need to have them removed unless they have symptoms such as pain and tenderness.

• From: Department of Health and Social Care
• Published: 14 January 2012

Documents

>> Read the Government’s advert about PiP implants

PDF, 60.3 KB, 1 page

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Details

There is no link to cancer and there is no clear evidence of an increased risk of harm compared to other brands of breast implants.

The Government is advising women to take three steps to reassure themselves:

• Find out if you have PiP implants by checking your medical notes. You can get this information for free from your clinic or through your GP. If you had PiP implants on the NHS, you will receive a letter in the next few weeks.

• Speak to your specialist or GP, if you had them done on the NHS, or your clinic if you had them done privately.

• Agree what’s best for you. Get advice on whether or not you need a scan, then discuss appropriate action with your doctor.

If a private clinic no longer exists or refuses to remove the PiP implants, the Government is advising women to speak to their GP. The NHS will remove the implants if the doctor agrees, but the NHS will not replace implants unless it is clinically necessary.

Published 14 January 2012