PIP breast implants banned by the FDA in the U.S. in 2000 and were withdrawn from the European market in 2010 after it was found they had been fraudulently manufactured with unapproved silicone gel, and were far more prone to splitting (rupturing) than other breast implants.
In 2000, the FDA banned silicone breast implants in the US market which had a ripple effect worldwide. To counter the subsequent loss in sales Jean-Claude Mas, the founder of PIP, came up with the idea of reducing his costs by 90% and switching the approved medical-grade silicone to his own formula - an in-house produced industrial-grade silicone that only required a small change in the formula. This 'behind closed doors' decision to launch an unapproved version was the start of the horrendous scandal that left many women ill and even caused numerous deaths. To make matters worse, Jean-Claude admitted to selling the 'lower-grade' version to those who were less well-off and kept the medical-grade approved implants for the wealthier customers.
Many governments around the world claim that the "research hasn't found any evidence to suggest that PIP implants pose a serious health risk, but they can cause unpleasant symptoms if they rupture and you may be anxious about leaving them in". But due to product irregularity and the preemptive solvency of the company in 2010 by Mas, many think otherwise.
If you have PIP implants, you should discuss with your medical professional as to whether they should be taken out. They should be taken out if they rupture or you're worried about a rupture happening.
What are PIP implants?
PIP implants are silicone breast implants containing unapproved silicone gel. They were manufactured in France by a company called Poly Implant Prostheses (PIP). The concerns relate to all breast implants manufactured by PIP. The majority of PIP implants were fitted in private clinics and many women around the world are still living with them.
PIP implant Risks
It is known that PIP implants are 2 to 6 times more likely to rupture than standard silicone implants.
See your family doctor or medical professional if you have signs of a rupture, such as:
lumpiness or swelling in and around the breast
a change in the shape of the breast
redness
pain and tenderness
a burning sensation
enlarged lymph nodes in the armpit
How to find out if you have PIP implants
At the time of all breast implant surgeries, you should have been given specific details about your breast implants, including information about the manufacturer of your implants, and catalogue and lot number details.
If you don't have these details, you can ask for them from the clinic or hospital where the implants were fitted. The medical notes kept by your GP may also include this information.
What to do if you have PIP implants
You should get medical advice if you have PIP implants. You can have your doctor arrange for an ultrasound, mammogram, and MRI scan to check on the current status of your implants and whether or not they have ruptured. A ruptured implant should be removed as soon as possible.
If there are no signs of a rupture, talk to your surgeon about next steps. If you're concerned about leaving them in, removing them will usually be recommended. If you do decide to keep them in, you should look out for signs of a rupture and have a yearly check-up with your doctor to make sure the implants are still intact. Remember even the manufacturers claim these products typically need replacing every 10 years.
Most importantly - do your research.
All posts are intended strictly for educational purposes. It is not intended to make any representations or warranties about the outcome of any procedure. It is not a substitute for a thorough in-person consultation with a medical professional.
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