Removal and Replacement of PIP Breast Implants
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.
Why Have PIP Implants Removed?
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).
Replacement vs Removal
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.
Who To Trust for PIP Implant Replacement?
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.
An Expert in PIP Implant Replacement
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.
I want Great Care reviews
Realself reviews
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 PIP Implant and Replacement Procedure
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.
PIP Implant Removal Key Facts
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.
Next Steps
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.
