Contact your surgical provider and request details as to the type of implants that were used. If you find out that you have had PIP implants inserted you should request a meeting with your surgeon or seek independent surgical advice.

Your surgeon should examine you and will probably suggest that a scan is performed to determine the integrity of the implants.

If there is any suggestion of rupture or silicon leakage from the implants, it will be sensible to perform an implant removal, with or without an implant replacement. If the Implants are not ruptured and you do not wish to have them replaced, or your surgeon feels that the risk of replacing them is too great, then it would be sensible for you to be seen by a surgeon for a review on an annual basis. You should seek further advice if you see further changes in your breast.

If your implants are ruptured your surgeon will discuss implant removal, they will also discuss the issues of implant replacement and the issues of failing to replace them. You may have lumpiness around the breast implants or in the lymph nodes around the breast and in the armpit, if this is the case these will be investigated with the use of a scan.

It may be necessary to take small samples from them with a needle to examine the appearance of the cells. Under normal circumstances a limited amount of swelling of the lymph nodes can be left, however if there is significant swelling of the lymph nodes you may be advised to have surgery to deal with this at the same time as removing the implants.

Change in shape or appearance of the breast, a change in the feel of the breast, lumpiness in the breast or lumpiness in the armpit or side of the chest. Any discomfort in the breast or nipple discharge. If any one of these conditions occur you should seek advice from a qualified plastic surgeon.

If following a discussion with your surgeon you decide to keep your PIP breast implants you would be well advised to make arrangements for a regular review with your surgeon. This would normally be performed without charge.

At any point if you have questions or concerns, we will be available to support you. Please call one of our friendly patient advisers on 0203 642 1490 who will be on hand to assist you.