Breast Implant Recall - PIP Silicon Implants

By Brandie Umar - Executive Director of Content | June 18th, 2010

UPDATE - women who received PIP implants after 2005 more at risk

Following on from the BAAPS notice for women with poly implant prothese breast implants(see below), it is now clear that the company manufacturing the implants dispensed with an extra protective layer to the implants in 2005. The silicon inside breast implants is generally held in place with a double layer protective shell, designed to prevent silicon leaking into the body if the first outer shell ruptures. Due to the thinner layer of protection in implants used post-2005, women who underwent breast augmentation surgery with PIP implants after this time are more at risk of rupturing and silicon leakage. Anyone concerned about their breast implants should contact a plastic surgeon for advice.

*****************

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons has warned any woman who underwent breast augmentation surgery with Poly Implant Prothese (PIP) type implants to urgently contact their surgeons over fears the implants used could have been faulty.

Emphasising the fault lies with manufacturers of the implants and not with surgeons,

BAAPS yesterday followed in the footsteps of the French Society of Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons and urged women who could be at risk to seek an ultrasound examination.

Concern over PIP implants was raised after French surgeons noticed a trend of this particular type of implant rupturing. Investigations revealed that a large number of PIP implants, manufactured by a firm now in liquidation, may have been filled with a silicon gel substance designed for matresses, not breast implants. BAAPS and the FrenchSociety of Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons warn these implants may also be missing a protective layer, leaving the implants liable to rupture.

Women who have received breast augmentation surgery are urged to contact the plastic surgeon who performed the operation to determine if they are at risk. If the plastic surgeon confirms PIP implants were used to perform the breast augmentation, women will be referred for an ultrasound scan to ensure there is no rupture present. If a rupture is detected, both implants will be removed as a precautionary measure.

Despite the increased risk of rupturing, the risk of a problem is relatively low. Breast augmentation has a rupture-risk rate of 3% - this risk rises to 6% for women who have PIP implants.

Source:

BAAPS Press Release

Anyone concerned about the safety of their breast implants can contact a plastic surgeon here for advice.