The facts about the PIP breast implant health scare

Posted on 05. Jan, 2012 by CSG in Cosmetic Imperfections

Dr poses with PIP implants

There have been plenty of news stories in the last few weeks about PIP breast implants and apparent health scares, which have caused a number of people to ask – what exactly are the facts about all of this? Well, we’ve put together a bit of a guide as to what has been said so far.

How did the scare start?

In June last year, it was reported that women who had received breast enlargements were being advised to contact their surgeon regarding the type of implant they received. The reason was that Poly Implant Prostheses (PIPs) had been found by a French inquiry to be filled with a gel that was unapproved and had inadequate protective barriers.

While it was feared that around 50,000 women in the UK may have had these implants, the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) warned against panic, adding that those with this type of implant should seek a check-up within the next six months. President Nigel Mercer said: “If it’s PIP they should have an ultrasound in the next six months to establish whether there is any weakening or rupture. At present removal is recommended in these cases, but if there is one ruptured implant, the contralateral one should be taken out as well, as a preventative measure.”

What’s the worst that can happen?

In early January, the UK Health secretary Andrew Lansley said no evidence had yet been found to suggest PIPs have – as French authorities originally reported – a five per cent higher chance of rupture than other implant types. He added it was “not advisable for women to routinely have implants removed, because the risk associated with an operation of that kind would outweigh the benefit of removing [them].”

The fear surrounding the implants is that the silicone gel used to fill them is not medical grade and could be irritative. This in turn could lead to an increased risk inflammation reaction and subsequently make removal more difficult. There has been one case of a rare form of cancer called anaplastic large cell lymphoma reported in France, but while some experts have suggested there may be a small but increased risk of this cancer in women with breast implants, this has nothing to do with PIPs.

What’s happening now?

While French authorities insist PIPs have a higher rupture rate and are offering to remove all implants from women who’ve had them, UK figures show rupture rates are lower and the government has said that as such there is no need for routine implant removal. As it stands, a review is being conducted, but so far the overwhelming message seems to be that there is little to worry about – particularly when it comes to things like increased cancer risk.

I’m still worried… what should I do?

If you don’t know what type of implants you’ve had or are worried about some of the reports that you’ve read, the best thing to do is speak to the surgeon who gave you your breast augmentation in the first place. It’s not unusual to be concerned about this type of thing – especially when it’s so prevalent in the news – but by talking to an expert you should get the reassurance you need.