Mr Banwell notes this recent post by Safter Cosmetic Surgery.
As concerned women with PIP implants come forward for reassurance and treatment the Department of Health (DH) continue to investigate the scandal.
Recent statistics from the Department of Health have revealed to date 4,872 referrals have been received by the NHS from patients who had their initial surgery at a private clinic. 280 of these referrals were received last week by 120 trusts.
So far 2,393 scans have been undertaken, leading to 252 decisions for explants to take place.
It was confirmed earlier in the year; patients who received PIP implants on the NHS will be contacted and offered removal and replacement procedures. The NHS has also agreed to help women who have been rejected by their initial private clinic by removing the faulty implants; but they are unable to replace them.
The DoH announced today the NHS will replace PIP breast implants for private patients if their reason for having implants was part of a reconstruction following breast cancer.
The ‘NHS offer’ to private patients with PIP implants varies depending on the circumstances of each patient, not all women will be advised to have their implants removed at this time, some women will simply want reassurance. 1,303 women have completed their NHS offer, 119 of these were completed last week.
The latest estimate of the number of women with NHS PIP implants in place is 748. So far 743 women have been contacted by the NHS and 112 decisions have been made to replace the implants. 37 scans have been recorded and 30 women have completed their NHS offer.
SaferCosmeticSurgery would like to reiterate the advice from the Department of Health and the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS):
All patients are advised that they should be aware of the make of their implants. Those patients unsure of these details are advised to contact their surgeon/provider. Patients are advised that BAAPS agree with the DoH expectation that patients should not be charged to access their notes. All NHS patients who have a PIP implant will be contacted by their hospital.
Signs and symptoms of rupture/leak/inflammation in one or both breasts may include:
- Lumpiness of the breast
- Lumpiness/ swelling of the regional lymph nodes in the underarms and rarely in the neck
- Change in shape and size of the breast
- Redness of the skin
- Tenderness of the breast and or the lymph glands in the underarms
- Swelling of the breast
- Firmness of the breast
- Pain
- Hyper sensitivity
The advice to patients is that those who experience signs or symptoms of rupture or irritation should seek advice earlier. Those who do not have complaints but have concerns and wish to discuss the risks and benefits of implant exchange should also seek advice at some stage.
