In April 2010, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) issued a consumer update in relation to the Silicone Gel Breast implants manufactured by the French company Poly Implant prostheses (PIP).

In essence there is a possible increase in rupture of these implants as French authorities had concerns that non-medical grade silicone may have been used.

Although my practice has never used PIP implants, they have been in use in Australia between 1998 and April 2010. To date, no evidence has shown that PIP implants in Australia have rupture rates higher than other brands available in Australia. Hence the TGA are not recommending widespread removal despite some European countries doing so.

That being said, many women still come for a consultation anxious that they may leak and wish replacement with a TGA approved implant. Others have concerns as their implants have changed, become harder or cause pain. In these cases, Medicare covers the cost of an MRI scan to investigate for an implant fault.

My advice is that if you have any concerns or anxiety, see a specialist plastic surgeon who will assess, explain and investigate thoroughly your situation and advise on a considered management course. Should you require further information regarding breast augmentations, please refer to our breast augmentation post.

Dr Kevin Ho