Legal News

PIP Breast Implant Update: Dissolved Businesses
Thu 12th Jan 12 - 14:13

In recent weeks I have spoken to women who are not sure if their implants are PIP or another brand.

If the original clinic has closed down then I would recommend those concerned to go to their GP and ask for a scan.

This will enable medical experts to advise whether the implants pose an immediate risk. It is important to remember that advice from the Department of Health has remained consistent that the immediate removal of implants is not necessary.

Of course those concerned need to be sure they have PIP implants and if in doubt they need to try and find their original records. Again this is something we can assist with as many surgeons have kept records of previous operations even though they no longer work for the same clinic.

If the scan shows an implant has ruptured then further action needs to be taken.

If the client cannot return to the original clinic for removal then they will need to consider a referral to the NHS. There is still some confusion as to whether the NHS will deal with patients who have had surgery for non reconstructive reasons.

For those who did have the surgery for reconstructive reasons the Government has helpfully now clarified the position.

Referrals can be made via your GP for medical reasons and I would urge those concerned to work closely with their GP in this regard. The problem occurs when the client wishes to have replacements.

If the clinic is no longer available or not one which has agreed to fund removal and replacement, the current position is the client will have to fund the replacement privately.

Nuffield Health have said that they will assist their patients with regards to removal but again questions remain over replacement. The Chairman of The Harley Medical Group said yesterday that replacement was simply not a viable economic option for them to consider.

We are advising clients in this position to see what other options they have. We are tracing insurers of those clinics which have closed down and considering options against the surgeons.

Cosmetic surgery is a service and the implants that are used in any procedure have to be fit for the purpose, be of a reasonable standard of quality and above all, be safe.

This is a developing area and hopefully with the gathering momentum, a solution will become available. It is also important to ensure regulation is increased within the cosmetic surgery industry to ensure this type of situation does not arise in the future.