PIP FAQ

The breast implants in question are pre-filled with silicone gel manufactured by the company Poly Implant Prothèse (PIP). The French authorities, AFSSAPS decided to suspend the use of these implants from the market in 2011.

AFSSAPS carried out an inspection on the PIP premises after vigilance reports revealed an increase in the number of declaration of implant ruptures. The results collected during this inspection showed that the implants were filled with a silicone gel different from the one the company had originally declared. These implants did not comply with current regulations and have therefore come under scrutiny. Currently the MHRA are collating data from all private clinics as well as the NHS and are due to conclude these findings on Friday 6th January 2012.

The first step would be to have a look at your original information given to you by the hospital at discharge, and look for the manufacturer details. If you cannot find this information then please log onto our PIP enquiry form and complete your details. We will then get back to you as soon as possible and let you know what type of implants you have.

At this point no complications different from those usually encountered with other breast implants have been identified.

No, but a ruptured breast implants should be replaced. There is always a small risk of breast implants rupturing with any breast augmentation.

To date, according to experts, nothing justifies a preventive replacement of the implant under which the surgery may be considered.

You can contact The Hospital Group by clicking here and entering your details on the PIP Enquiry form or by calling 0845 287 4716

As quoted by the MHRA, the only batch numbers affected by the PIP investigation are IMGHC-TX, IMGHC-MX and IMGHC-LS. These were on the market between 2001 and 2009. If you have had implants prior to 2001 then you have no reason for concern.

The current advice from the MHRA is: “Since the tests have shown no cytotoxicity or genotoxicity associated with the gel, there is no reason for patients not to continue to breast-feed.”

There is currently no evidence to suggest that having PIP implants will cause any risk to the baby.

PIP implants will be replaced with Allergan CUI implants. However if you would prefer to have Allergan Natrelle implants, this can be discussed at your consultation.

Replacement PIP procedures will carry a 10 year rupture warranty as well as free of charge review appointments with a nurse or surgeon.

Patients have 5 years to take advantage of the various PIP procedure options.

As we have used the PIP implants intermittently from 2001-2009 we anticipate a high demand. We plan to stage all procedures over the forthcoming months.

The Hospital Group used the PIP implants because they were the third largest manufacturer of breast implants in the world. They were certified for use in the UK and passed by the MHRA. The majority of private providers and the NHS also used these implants between 2001 and 2009.