Consultant Plastic Surgeons - News

PIP Implants – Is it a mountain or a molehill??

Dear all,

Firstly if you have had breast implants with either JP or JD you need not worry that you have these implants – because we have never used them.  You will almost certainly know from the media that these implants were made in France and sold worldwide, and contain a non medical grade Silicone Gel. 

Is there a problem with these implants? There is an impression from many surgeons, and we would agree with this, that the PIP implants are of poor quality generally and are more at risk of rupture.  The Gel inside is quite liquid, and causes more inflammation inside the breast, and may travel to the lymph nodes in the arm pit more easily than other Gels.  Both of us have removed these implants and observed these problems.

Should I be worried about my implants?  Not if you have implants inserted by either of us – all implants can rupture or encapsulate, and we will have discussed this with you before your operation, but it is the nature of the PIP implant Gel which is worrying.

What if you have PIP implants put in elsewhere?  The first port of call is the original surgeon / clinic who did your operation.  They may be able to help but if you have lost confidence in them then feel free to contact us for advice or an appointment.  We are both experienced at breast revision surgery including implant exchange and can offer you appropriate advice and surgery if required.

In conclusion;

ØNeither Mr Pereira or Mr Davison have used PIP implants

ØPIP implants contain non licensed Gel and we think should be removed

ØThere is no emergency to do this, the evidence thus far is that the Gel is non toxic and non cancerous but is very liquid and can cause local problems in the breast and armpit upon rupture.