Worldwide Worry Over PIP Breast Implants: What You Need to Know Now
Introduction
The New York Liposuction Center is dedicated to providing the latest information and resources related to Poly Implant Prosthese (PIP) breast implants. PIP breast implants are a type of silicone-filled implant that were used in many countries around the world, including the United States, before being banned in 2010 due to safety concerns. In this article, we will provide an overview of PIP breast implants, discuss their prevalence and locations of use, and examine the health risks associated with them. We will also look at the emotional impact on women who have had these implants, as well as provide a list of resources for women who may have questions or need further information. Finally, we will conclude with our recommendations for women who may be considering or have already received pip breast implants.
Background
Poly Implant Prothèse (PIP) breast implants were developed by the French company PIP in the early 2000s and were marketed as a low-cost alternative to other types of breast implants. The company was shut down in 2010 after it was found that they had been using substandard silicone gel filler for their implants, which posed a health risk to women who had received them. Since then, there has been an international outcry over the safety of these implants and governments around the world have issued warnings and recommendations about them.
History of PIP Breast Implants
PIP was founded in 1991 by Jean-Claude Mas, a French businessman. In 2000, they began manufacturing silicone gel-filled breast implants, which were marketed as a cheaper alternative to other brands on the market. These implants quickly gained popularity among plastic surgeons and consumers due to their lower cost. However, in 2010 it was revealed that PIP had been using an industrial grade silicone filler for their implants instead of medical grade silicone, which posed a serious health risk to women who had received them. As a result, the company was shut down and its products were recalled from the market.
Prevalence and Locations of Use
It is estimated that between 300,000 and 400,000 women worldwide have received PIP breast implants since 2000. These implants were particularly popular in Europe and Latin America, but they were also used in some parts of Asia and Australia. In the United States, it is estimated that fewer than 5,000 women have received them.
Government Recommendations
In response to this scandal, governments around the world have issued warnings about PIP breast implants and recommended that women who have received them should get them removed or replaced with safer alternatives. In France alone, more than 30,000 women have had their pip implants removed or replaced at government expense. The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also issued warnings about these implants and recommends that women who have received them should speak to their doctors about getting them removed or replaced if necessary.
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Country
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Number of Women with PIP Implants
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Government Recommendations
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France
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30,000
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Removal/Replacement
|
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US
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<5,000
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Speak to Doctor
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Worldwide
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300,000-400,000
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Removal/Replacement
|
Impact on Women
The PIP breast implant scandal has had a major impact on women around the world. The health risks associated with these implants, as well as the emotional distress caused by the potential harm, have made it essential for women to be aware of their options.
Health Risks Associated with PIP Breast Implants
The health risks associated with PIP breast implants are serious and can include rupture, inflammation, pain, and swelling. Additionally, some studies have suggested that the silicone gel used in the implants may increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer such as lymphoma and breast cancer. These health risks can be difficult for women to accept, especially if they were unaware of the potential problems before receiving their implants.
Ultrasound Examinations and Explantation Procedures
Women who have received PIP breast implants should undergo regular ultrasound examinations to check for any signs of rupture or leakage. If any problems are found, then an explantation procedure may be necessary to remove the defective implant. This procedure carries its own risks and can be physically and emotionally taxing for women who have already experienced issues with their implants.
Emotional Impact on Women
In addition to physical health concerns, many women who have received PIP breast implants also experience psychological distress due to the uncertainty surrounding their situation. The fear of unknown complications or long-term effects can cause anxiety and depression in some patients. For many women, this emotional distress is compounded by feelings of guilt or regret over having chosen to receive a potentially dangerous product without being fully informed about its risks.
At New York Liposuction Center, we understand how difficult this situation can be for our patients. We strive to provide comprehensive information and support so that our patients can make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.
Resources for Women
At the New York Liposuction Center, we understand the confusion and fear that women may be feeling in light of the PIP breast implant scandal. We want to provide our patients with resources to help them make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.
FDA Website
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has created a website specifically for information related to PIP implants. The site includes safety alerts, recommendations for medical professionals, and information on explantation procedures. It is a great resource for women who have questions or concerns about their implants.
Articles from the New York Times and The Guardian
The New York Times and The Guardian have published numerous articles about the pip breast implant scandal over the past few years. These articles provide an in-depth look at the history of the implants, their prevalence worldwide, government recommendations, and potential health risks associated with them.
Contacting Our Office for More Information
At the New York Liposuction Center, our board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arnold Breitbart is available to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your PIP implants. We are conveniently located in two locations: 700 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10021 US and 1155 Northern Boulevard Suite 110, Manhasset, New York 11030 US. Please contact us today if you would like more information or would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Breitbart.
Conclusion
The New York Liposuction Center understands the concerns of women who have been affected by PIP breast implants. We are dedicated to providing resources and support to ensure that these women can make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing. Our goal is to help them understand the risks associated with PIP implants, as well as the available ultrasound examination and explantation procedures.
We invite any woman who has had a PIP implant procedure to contact our office for more information. Our Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Arnold Breitbart and our team of experienced professionals are here to answer questions, provide guidance, and ultimately support each individual’s unique needs. Our two locations in New York, NY (700 Park Avenue) and Manhasset, NY (1155 Northern Boulevard Suite 110) are open to serve you.
