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BAAPS supports NHS implant findings - 9 January 2012

Defective breast implant removal acceptable precautionary measure

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (www.baaps.org.uk), recently invited to participate in the Expert Group advising the Government on the situation concerning the controversial PIP beast implants, today welcomes the report of Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, NHS Medical Director and the announcement by the Secretary of State for health. Although the findings reiterate there is no link between the faulty devices and risk of cancer, it is the continued stance from the BAAPS’ that the implants are sub-standard and removal is an acceptable precautionary measure.

According to consultant plastic surgeon and BAAPS President Fazel Fatah: “In line with today’s announcement, we wish to continue to reassure patients that the gel used in the defective PIP implants does not increase the risk of cancer. However as we have previously stated, the silicones and additives used may not be ‘bio-compatible’, ie may cause inflammation, scarring and fibrosis if leaked into the body. Women should be aware that implant removal is for precautionary measures, rather than any immediate threat to health.”

Fazel adds: “At the BAAPS we are very pleased that patients who received these defective implants by the NHS may undergo both removal and replacement of implants via the NHS. Women whose surgeon or clinic is no longer in business, or who develop adverse breast symptoms, will also be treated by the NHS. We are aware that some private clinics and hospital groups have already stated that they will provide the same level service for their PIP patients and we commend them for that, and as announced today we expect all private providers to act in this vein and facilitate removal for their patients, who should anticipate the same standards. We call on any BAAPS members who may be involved to cooperate with their hospitals and ensure a smooth process. This is a real opportunity for the private sector to truly demonstrate their commitment to duty of care.”

According to consultant plastic surgeon and former BAAPS President Nigel Mercer: “The BAAPS is also delighted for the Advisory Group's support for our long stated aim of re-instating a compulsory, UK implant register and for our calls for tighter regulation in the cosmetic surgery industry. To that end, we hope that the Government will support and encompass the proposed European Standard in Aesthetic Surgery Services, which is currently being reviewed and which will provide greater patent safety through out Europe.”

Meanwhile, three of the UK's largest private cosmetic surgery groups stand accused of putting profits ahead of patient safety as they have so far refused to removed the implants of past patients.

Transform, the Harley Medical Group and the Hospital Group have been named by the Daily Mail as having so far ignored the Health Secretary's call to remove PIP implants fro free from women who request the operation. They accuse the government of trying to dodge its responsibilities, saying that it was a failure of the regulator in allowing the cut-price implants to be used in the UK.