Sam Orkar, consultant plastic surgeon at McIndoe Surgical Centre
‘First, It is important that women with PIP implants should not panic. Whereas I would recommend the implants to be removed as the long term effects with this grade of silicone is not known. This can be done in a planned manner.
If the breasts look and feel normal, and there are no symptoms, the implant is probably okay. However, this is not completely fool proof. Ultrasound and MRI can confirm rupture where there is significant concern.
Ideally, women with the implants should contact their surgeon or the hospital where the implants were placed. They may contact other plastic surgeons or specialist hospitals for assistance, if the above is not possible or they prefer the second option.
I believe hospitals/ clinics and indeed surgeons need to be supportive of patients. The nature and extent of this support may probably need
to vary and be discussed between the patients, their doctors and clinic / hospitals.’
Marc Pacifico, consultant plastic surgeon at McIndoe Surgical Centre
‘The first thing is not to panic – these implants will have been in for a while and have not (yet) had any disease or ill-effects proven. I would recommend women seek advice from their plastic surgeon. An ultrasound scan will help to detect if the implants have ruptured. If they have ruptured, they should be removed. If they are intact, the patient needs to have an informed discussion with their plastic surgeon regarding what to do next.
Many surgeons (including me) would advise an operation to remove them and replace them with good quality implants. There is often no way of telling there is a problem – so-called “silent ruptures” are common and with good quality implants are not a health issue. Therefore the opinion of a plastic surgeon is the most important thing. However, if there has been a change in the feel, the look or any other quality of the breast then there may be a rupture.
To make an appointment with either Sam Orkar or Marc Pacifico please contact our Helpline on 0800 917 4922 or or complete the online
enquiry form.
Breast Surgery · McIndoe Surgical Centre