Treatment at a Glance
Surgical Time
2.5 - 3.5 hours
Hospital Stay
Over night hospital stay
Initial Recovery Time
4 - 8 weeks
Anaesthetic
General anaesthetic
Anaesthetic
General anaesthetic
Final Result
3 - 12 months
Follow Up
1, 4, 12 weeks & 1 year
Elena Prousskaia can help any woman who requires the removal and replacement of their PIP breast implants.
PIP implants, an option that was used by some surgeons between 2001 and 2010, used industrial-grade silicone that was not cleared for human use. Their use created a ticking time bomb, leading to both physical and mental health concerns for many thousands of women.
The impact of these defective implants has been acknowledged, most recently in a landmark French court case that should enable victims to claim compensation.
By having them removed and replaced it is possible to finally put an end to an awful experience – removing the implants that could be a health concern and at the same time getting the physical change you seek.
Ms Prousskaia is a true specialist in breast procedures having held world-leading Fellowships. Please contact her to discuss next steps for PIP implant removal and replacement.
She has never used PIP implants.
All breast implants are likely to require replacement at some stage – this often around a decade after the initial surgery.
However, for most implants this is to maintain appearance rather than through pressing medical need.
PIP implants are different, they used a low grade silicone that should never have been allowed near the body, as such any rupture or leakage is a cause for concern. There is a pressing health imperative to have PIP implants removed.
PIP implants were last used in the UK in 2010, given the time that has passed since this means that there is an exponentially growing risk for those who still have these implants that they will fail and so silicone will leak into the nearby body tissue.
Anyone with these implants should seek a consultation with an expert in breast procedures such as implant removal and replacement (Capsulectomy).
While removal alone can remove medical concerns, Elena Prousskaia always recommends replacement of PIP implants with a safe alternative.
The whole person needs treating – both the pressing medical need for implant removal, bit also the patient’s ongoing mental health.
Removing the implant and not replacing can lead to the entire process ending on yet another negative. Yes, the implants might be gone, but the physical concern that led to the desire for implants in the first place has not been addressed.
Replacement – not necessarily with implants the same size, but with those in keeping with changed preferences and the body’s natural changes over time – also helps to address mental health.
As a woman, you are left with an improved appearance, the nightmare of the past decade at least ending on the positive that, finally, you have the breast shape and volume you sought and now it is 100% safe.
No woman undergoes cosmetic surgery lightly, so to decide to have surgery, and then to be let down so fully takes a huge emotional toll.
Who can you trust to treat you with care and consideration and also both safely remove the PIP implants and insert new, safe implants?
Can you trust the surgeon who performed the operation in the first place.
The PIP implant scandal involved multiple failings – most egregiously the manufacturer, but individual surgeons who performed these procedures also need to question themselves.
They can point to the fact that the implants had regulatory approval across Europe – this approval the subject of successful legal challenge – but many surgeons chose to never use PIP implants.
Elena Prousskaia, one of the world’s leading experts in breast procedures never countenanced their use. If, in consultation, a prospective patient suggested they would like PIP implants, their head turned by cheaper prices, Ms Prousskaia would state that she would not consider using them.
Surgeons see the implants, they touch them, they assess their quality. PIP implants were low grade, cheap, poor.
Unfortunately, the surgery to replace the implants can also be more complex than a breast implant procedure for someone who hasn’t had implants before. With PIP implants, there could be secondary impact of the implant leaking.
Elena Prousskaia is not alone in being a highly qualified surgeon with experience in breast surgery, but her CV does stand apart.
Elena, a cosmetic surgeon with 20 years’ experience and a global reputation, specialises in breast reconstruction surgery, this demonstrated by her having held the Fellowship in Microsurgical Breast Reconstruction at the world-leading Guys and St Thomas’ Hospital. She has also held Fellowships in India, Italy, Barcelona, Belgium and the amazing University Hospital in Tokyo.
By entrusting Elena, you are also getting the certainty that you have a surgeon with empathy, a world-renowned female surgeon whose only aim is to deliver cosmetic surgery that is truly life-enhancing. As she says:
“The one thing that matters most to me when I am with a patient is empathy.
It is only when you are able to identify and understand your patients problems that you can begin to help resolve them satisfactorily. A good surgical outcome is not the only thing that matters. Everything that you do and say to a patient has to come from your heart.
I consider myself very lucky to be able to share my passion for what I do and hopefully bring a bit more happiness into my patients’ lives.”
It is of course easy to speak of having a patient-focussed ethos, but what do independent review say?
For Elena they are stunning, universally five stars. Please take the time to read some reviews via the links below.
One recent review specifically relating to PIP Implant removal speaks volumes.
“Elena is an OUTSTANDING surgeon. I had PIP implants and was looking to have them changed. I knew Elena was the surgeon to help, she put me at ease and explained my options. The lovely ladies in her office were helpful, I wanted to get sorted asap, when an alternative date was available contacted me straight away. I received outstanding care from start to finish from Elena, her team and the hospital. The aftercare is amazing, nothing is too much trouble, can call any time. I was so relaxed, I knew I was in great hands. The final results are fantastic. Elena has worked magic and I couldn’t be happier. I’m so glad I found her. I can’t thank her and her team enough.”
LMS – implant Removal & Replacement
The process always begins with detailed, empathetic consultations. It is important that as a prospective patient you find a surgeon you feel you can trust, someone who has the experience to deliver results, but also an ability to demonstrate care and compassion.
At consultation and medical examination, the impact of the PIP implants would be assessed, though full impact might only be known once surgery has begun.
Importantly though there will also be a focus on the positive – how you will look post surgery, discussing the shape and volume of breast you want as you put this awful episode behind you.
The process will vary by patient as the impact of the PIP implants will vary. For some, there will be no leakage and the impact can be removed in a relatively straightforward manner.
Others will have suffered major leakage from ruptured implants. Whereas with a high-quality implant, this leakage would not be a medical concern, this is not the case with a PIP implant. Care would be needed to treat the impact of the failed implant.
Other issues can include necrosis, or dead tissue developing around the implant, bleeding or a build-up of calcium.
There is a treatment requirement to the surgery – addressing all these concerns – and then the reconstruction aspect. Creating the shape and size of breast desired – this may be different to the requirements when the PIP implants were fitted. After all, our body changes over time.
The surgery itself will typically use the same incisions as from the initial surgery. The capsule that surrounds the implant would be removed and a new implant inserted into this vacant area ‘the pocket’.
The skin can then be closed at the incision.
Much though will depend on the impact of the PIP implants and the overall care taken in the initial surgery.
That is why there is a need to repeat that the consultations – often there are at least two – are of such importance. They are your chance to have an open conversation with an empathetic surgeon and for them to recommend a best course of action.
Unfortunately, in the case of PIP implants, not acting is not a sensible option.
Please note that these are a broad guide as the nature of surgery will vary greatly by patient.
Surgical time: 2.5 to 3.5 hours
Anaesthetic: General
Hospital stay: Overnight
Final result: 3 to 12 months post surgery
Initial Recovery: four to eight week
Follow-up: 1, 4 and 12 weeks and one year.
Women who are suffering physically and emotionally because of their PIP implants should seek a consultation with a specialist surgeon who has relevant experience in breast reconstruction.
If you would like to book a consultation with Elena Prousskaia, please call on 0800 8021 886 or use the Online Form.
Our Amazing Results
Please browse other patients amazing results for this procedure.
At your first consultation Elena will answer any questions you have about the surgery itself. You will then have a second consultation to go through the consent forms prior to your surgery. You will also have a Pre-Assessment with the nurses at your chosen hospital for any blood tests and investigations to check on your general health. On the day of surgery an implant removal and replacement surgery, you will not eat for a six-hour window prior to the procedure. Before entering the operating room, you will discuss the agreed form of anaesthesia with the anaesthetist, you will also see Ms Prousskaia for surgical marking, signing hospital consent, and for any additional questions you may have. If you feel anxious, we can provide you with medication that can make you feel more relaxed prior to going down to theatre.
It is entirely normal to feel sore and stiff for a few days following implant removal and replacement surgery. During the first 72 hours, when the most discomfort is expected to be felt, painkillers can be administered in order to address the discomfort. Rest is normally recommended for a period of one week following implant removal and replacement surgery. A support bra is usually worn for six weeks after the procedure. Patients can benefit from taking four weeks off work, and after you have seen Ms Prousskaia for your four weeks follow up you can discuss beginning a gym routine focused on lower body strength.
The Elena Prousskaia Clinic prides itself on the quality of its aftercare so we’ll make absolutely sure you know what to expect, and how much rest is needed. We’ll give you specific instructions that may include how to care for your breasts following surgery, medications to apply or take orally to aid healing and reduce the risk of infection, and when to follow-up with Elena.
Please visit our fees page for more information.
While complications with implant removal and replacement surgery are infrequent, no surgical procedure is without risks. Among the possible complications are scars, infection, haematoma, implant displacement, breast asymmetry and implant rupture. Elena will provide you with further information with the risks and provide you with a detailed consent form during your consultations. This will help you to minimise the risks.
Generally speaking, this surgery takes around 2.5-3 hours, although this varies depending on the nature of the procedure.
After surgery it is normal to experience some discomfort, the level of which varies widely amongst patients. There is rarely prolonged pain unless there is a complication and in all cases you will be prescribed pain medication.
It is recommended you change implants about every 10 years. Breast implant removal and replacement surgery can be undertaken for a number of reasons, typically:
Elena prides herself on taking the time to truly understand a patient’s aims and discussing what result will work best given the patient’s body shape and size. Although good results are expected, the body is not symmetric and almost everyone has some degree of unevenness, which may not be recognised in advance. The more realistic your expectations as to results, the better your results will be in your eye. You will have at least two consultations with Elena where she ensures that she meets your expectations and she will always try to achieve your expected results.
The shape of implants can be round or anatomical (teardrop). Both can provide an excellent result. The outer shell and the filling may vary depending on the manufacturer. Miss Prousskaia has never used PIP implants in her practice and she will offer you high quality implants from the best manufacturers. You will discuss with Miss Prousskaia which specific shape and size of implant would give you the optimal result. You should know that in the European Union (EU) 95% of implants used for breast augmentation are made of silicone gel and only 5% contains other type of fillings such as saline. Mentor Silicone Gel-Filled Breast Implants are devices with shells constructed from silicone elastomer. The shell is filled with MemoryGel®, Mentor’s proprietary formulation of silicone gel.
Ms Elena Prousskaia has been carrying out plastic and aesthetic surgery procedures for more than 20 years. Elena trained for eight years in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and since then has held leading Fellowships around the world and specialised in breast surgery procedures, whether a patient is having the procedure for purely aesthetic reasons or as part of breast reconstruction. As an NHS Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon at Southmead Hospital, she dedicated several years to complex microsurgical reconstruction and general plastic surgery. During this time at North Bristol Trust, she particularly enjoyed rebuilding patients who suffered from breast cancer giving them their body and confidence back. At present, Ms Prousskaia runs her own successful private practice performing full range of plastic and aesthetic surgery for face, body and breast. Elena Prousskaia consults in several clinics around the South West. Please see the ‘Our Locations’ tab in the menu for exact addresses or call us to discuss your closest location.
This procedure can be performed on its own or in combination with breast uplift approaches or body remodelling surgery, such as a tummy tuck, liposuction, intimate surgery or facial surgery. This would depend on the result you are looking for. Elena prides herself on taking the time to truly understand the patient’s aims and discussing what result will work best given the patient’s body shape and size.
Elena does not operate on patients that regularly smoke or vape. To be considered for this procedure you must refrain from smoking or vaping for 3 months before and after your surgery.
Helpful downloadable resources specific to this procedure.
The cost includes the hospital, surgeon and anaesthetic fees. It also covers all post-operative visits. The initial consultation fee will be invoiced separately. The prices apply only at the time of publication and are subject to changes without notification.
With 0% finance available through Chrysalis Finance, there is no better time to inquire about cosmetic surgery.
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Our incredible five-star patient reviews speak volumes about the quality of our services and the satisfaction of our patients.
From initial consultation to post-operative care, our team strives to provide an exceptional experience. Discover why so many patients trust us.
Elena Prousskaia is a Board Certified UK Consultant Plastic Surgeon, with memberships in:
She is also listed on the UK GMC Specialist Register for Plastic Surgery and holds a Certificate of Completion of Training in Plastic Surgery.
Contact The Team
Call: 0800 8021 886
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EP Healthcare Ltd. Company Registration 12788736. Site by Blow Media. E Prousskaia provides surgical services through EP Healthcare Ltd. Registered Address: Woodlands Grange, Woodlands Lane, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 4JY
