It is estimated that over 40,000 women in the UK have had breast implants produced by Poly Implant Prostheses (PIP).   The implants produced by this company are at the centre of an international health scare after French authorities called for them to be removed from all French patents as they believe there is an increased chance of the implants rupturing and leading to complications.

About PIP Breast Implants

French Company Poly Implant Prostheses is at the centre of the largest scandal to hit the cosmetic surgery industry.  The company, based in the south of France, has been using industrial grade silicone, normally used for filling mattresses and computer parts, instead of medical grade silicone.  The company is estimated to have saved £840m a year by using this cheap substitute. 

The cheap implants appear to have a significantly higher rupture rate than would be expected.  In France this is running at 5%, although it is estimated that this could rise to as high as 10%.

PIP went into administration in 2010 and the use of its products has since been banned.  However on the 23rd December 2011 the French authorities advised all its citizens who have had PIP implant to have them removed and that the French Government would pay for the full cost of the procedure.  They will not however pay for new implants.

The Situation in the UK

In March 2011 the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) issued an alert recommending that these implants should not be used, however they have stated that the rupture rate in the UK is far less than in France and that people should not worry.  It also argues that there is “insufficient evidence to indicate any association with cancer”.  The MHRA hold that it does not believe the PIP implants pose any significant risk to women and advise that women do not need to have them removed.

Ashworth Law the Compensation Specialists

If you have had a PIP breast implant, whether it has led to complications or not, you may be able to make a claim for the cost of replacing the implants, any costs incurred and potentially damages for injuries suffered.
Ashworth Law are experts in dealing with product liability claims and personal injury cases.  We are members of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers and in most cases work on a "No-win No-Fee" basis.

Call our dedicated PIP team now on 0800 612 2788 (24hrs) to see how Ashworth Law can help you.  Even if you don’t feel you need to make a claim, we can advise on your  best course of action and update you on the current medical advice.