It is thought that around 40,000 women in this country have had breast augmentation (Breast Implants) and about 95% of them have been via private hospitals purely for cosmetic reasons. Poly Implants Prothese (PIP) are the French manufacturing company that have caused global concern after it was revealed they contained industrial silicone rather than medical-grade fillers and that they may be more prone to rupture and leakage
The NHS have issued some guidance in the signs to look for which may raise concern and if you have any of the following signs you should contact the hospital that carried out your breast augmentation or you general practitioner (GP).
- lumpiness of the breast
- lumpiness or swelling in the area around the breast
- change in shape of the breast
- deflation of the breast
- redness
- tenderness of the breast
- swelling of the breast
- pain or sensitivity
We are now dealing with a number of PIP cases and will shortly be making an application to the Court for a group litigation order. If you have concerns about your PIP implants you should obtain your notes and records from your health care provider. This is something that we can do for you and thereafter investigate if you have merit in making a claim. Most private clinics and hospitals have now written to all patients but you should not be alarmed if this is not the case.
Women who received a PIP implant from the NHS will be contacted to let them know they have one.
If you are worried, you should book a consultation with your specialist or GP. They will offer clinical advice on the best way forward. This could include an examination using scans, such as MRI, to look for any signs that the implant may have ruptured.
The NHS will support removal and replacement of PIP implants if a woman and her doctor decide that it is the right thing to do. The secretary of state has made clear that patients’ concerns must be put first.
A number of private clinics have now publicly said that they will replace PIP implants free of charge. This does not however prevent you making a compensation claim. The following private clinics have said they will replace PIP implants free if clinically necessary:
- BMI Healthcare
- HCA International
- Holly House
- Highgate Hospitals
- Make Yourself Amazing/MYA Cosmetic Surgery
- Nuffield Healthcare
- Ramsay Health Care
- Spire Healthcare
The Transform medical group has said it will remove the implants free for its patients who had them fitted since 2001 and The Hospital Group said it would offer free removal to patients it operated on from 2001-2009; both will charge for replacements.
If you have any concerns you should of course contact you GP or the clinic/hospital where your operation was carried out but we can assist you in obtaining your medical records and assessing the merits of a claim.
We have a number of funding options available including NO Win–No Fee (a Conditional Fee Agreement) and in the event of wining your claim you will retain all of your compensation.
Please feel free to contact our Mr. Nathan J Hennah for a free consultation.