A UK inquiry has shown that the controversial PIP breast implants are 6 times more likely to rupture. At least 3,000 alleged victims have filed complaints about the implants. Some 300,000 PIP implants have been sold World Wide. It is estimated that over 1,500 women in Ireland have been implanted with PIP implants.
An expert panel lead by Professor Sir Bruce Keogh, examined PIP implant safety and included specially commissioned tests on toxicity. The contents of the French-manufactured PIP implants do not pose long term health risks according to the panel. However, some plastic surgeons disagree with this finding. PIP has admitted that it used unapproved silicone in the implants.
The inquiry also found that, when there is a significantly increased rupture risk, the PIP brand implants do not cause cancer. Regardless, leading plastic surgeons say that women should have the defective implants removed. The official acknowledgement now that the implants are sub-standard will allow women to take legal action against clinics and the company that distributed them.
