Faulty Breast Implants

Corries Solicitors are acting for over 200 clients who have been fitted with faulty implants made by Poly Implant Prosthese. We have a dedicated all female team to deal with these cases.

Overview

Poly Implant Prothese (P.I.P) was a French manufacturer that produced silicone gel filled breast implants. More than 30,000 patients in France have been advised that they should have their implants removed as they believe there is a risk they could rupture and leak into the bloodstream. P.I.P implants were also used in more than 50,000 British patients including up to 3,000 NHS patients who had reconstructive surgery following the removal of breast tumours.

On inspection French medical authorities found that implants made by the company since 2001 had been filled with a lower grade silicone composition differing from the European CE Mark approved gel they had originally used. The British Association of Plastic Surgeons says the implants are made from industrial silicone meant for use in mattresses rather than cosmetic procedures.

In March 2010 the French authorities alerted the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare Regulatory Agency) that they had ceased any distribution, export and use of the P.I.P gel implant. The MHRA immediately banned all use of P.I.P implants in the UK.

Symptoms if the implant has ruptured

Most patients will experience no signs or symptoms of a silicone breast implant rupture. However, some patients may experience the following;

Burning sensation, tingling, swelling, numbness or redness in the affected breast
Hard lumps surrounding the implant or in the armpit
A change in breast size or distortion
Softening or hardening of the breast

If the implant has not ruptured

It is certainly the case that it is easier to remove and replace an implant that has not ruptured than to deal with a situation where there is a rupture and fluid has leaked into the surrounding area and the bloodstream. Tim Goodacre, a member of the government commissioned panel investigating the PIP scandal has said that "even at a very low rupture rate, we would want to see most implants removed. There is a great deal of uncertainty and lack of knowledge about the extent of the problems".

How do I know if I have a P.I.P Implant?

Contact us and we will write to your surgeon or clinic requesting that they identify the manufacturer. It is our view that medical records should be provided without delay and without charge.

I have a P.I.P Implant what should I do?

If you think you have received a P.I.P implant you should contact your doctor as soon as possible.

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) has recommended that all women who have undergone breast implant surgery using P.I.P implants have an ultrasound scan to determine if there is any implant rupture or irregularities in the silicone.

If there are any signs of either rupture or weakening then both implants should be removed.

Legal position / Compensation

We believe the clinic responsible for fitting substandard implants is liable to pay compensation. Compensation may include the cost of removing the implant, replacement implants, the pain and suffering associated with removal, compensation for any additional scarring, loss of earnings, psychological damage and medical expenses.

The NHS has released an Interim Report about the PIP implants which can be read here. Please note that the document is a PDF file which requires you have Adobe Reader installed to view it. Click here to download it if required.

What if the clinic I used is no longer in business?

Even if your clinic no longer exists, it may be possible to seek compensation from the insurance company who insured them at the time the surgery took place. We are maintaining a data base of clinics and their insurers.