SPANISH SOCIETY OF PLASTIC, REPARATIVE AND COSMETIC SURGERY (SECPRE) together with the SPANISH ASSOCIATION OF COSMETIC SURGERY (AECEP).
Madrid, January 10, 2012 – In recent days there has been new information about PIP prostheses. The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) has issued a statement supporting the recommendation that patients with PIP breast implants (or M-Implants, manufactured by ROFIL Medro in the Netherlands) should undergo removal or replacement.
Therefore, the Spanish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (SECPRE) together with the Spanish Association of Plastic Surgery (AECEP) wish to state to the public that:
– To date, it should be noted that there is no evidence linking PIP breast implants with the development of a possible cancer, although inflammatory complications may arise due to rupture of the implants, and evidence or suspicion of implant rupture is an indication for immediate explantation.
– Despite the lack of scientific evidence regarding the relationship of PIP implants with genotoxic processes or any other type of pathology different from the already known, and due to its important manufacturing defects, it would be advisable to evaluate together with the plastic surgeon the removal or replacement of these implants as a preventive measure and without urgency.
– SECPRE and AECEP are firmly committed to close collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality, the Spanish Medical Association, the Health Safety Committee of the European Commission, and the other scientific societies involved, with the aim of continuing to gather all the information and to be at the side of patients.
– We are aware that there is a considerable number of PIP prostheses implanted by non SECPRE plastic surgeons and/or in the context of companies in the cosmetic surgery sector that, due to the way they work, may cause patients to be unaware of their surgeon of reference. In order to help those PIP implant carriers who are neglected, SECPRE is working to offer its network of surgeons on an individual basis to those women who need it.
– SECPRE has reached an agreement with the most important implant manufacturers to provide new implants, of the highest quality and at the lowest cost, to patients who require replacement of PIP implants.
– The SECPRE and the AECEP suggest as a protocol for patients with PIP implants or when in doubt of being one:
1. Women with breast prostheses should check the type of implant they have by means of the implantation card (mandatory), which must have been provided by their plastic surgeon. In case you do not have it or have lost it, you can go to the center where the intervention was performed and ask for a copy of it.
If they were PIP prostheses, we recommend going to the plastic surgeon who operated on you, who will request the appropriate clinical and radiological examinations (mammograms, breast and axillary ultrasound, MRI) for a correct assessment. If you have not been operated by a plastic surgeon member of the SECPRE and you are disoriented, you can go to our Society to recommend a suitable professional who will assist you in a disinterested way.
3. It is recommended to contact the associations of PIP prosthesis sufferers.
4. Depending on the condition of the prosthesis and with the advice of your plastic surgeon, the best therapeutic decision and the right time for explantation will be made.
5. If the patient does not wish to have the prostheses removed, and as long as they are in good condition, a clinical and radiological follow-up is recommended every 6 months.
For more information:
SECPRE Press Office
Alba Corrada / Diana Zugasti: 91 563 23 00 / 670 655 038
