By Richard Bloom, Plastic Surgeon -

ARC Plastic Surgeons would like to reassure all of our patients, that none of our surgeons have ever used breast implants manufactured by French manufacturer, Poly Implant Prosthese (PIP).

PIP implants are the implants currently under investigation by regulatory authorities including the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration.

There are a number of different breast implant manufacturers around the world. Health authorities are specifically concerned about breast implants made by PIP.

The marketing and use of breast implants manufactured by the Poly Implant Prothèse company was suspended by French authorities in March 2010.
 This decision followed the observation made in 2009 of an increased risk of shell ruptures of these particular breast implants.

PIP breast implants were available in Australia between 1998 and April 2010 when they were recalled. Authorities believe up to 6000 women in Australia may have PIP implants.

ARC Plastic Surgery recommends that breast implant patients check with their surgeon or hospital to determine if their implants were manufactured by the French company Poly Implant Prosthesis (PIP).

ARC Plastic Surgeons are actively involved in advising government authorities regarding the management of patients affected with these implants. We will keep you updated via our website.

For links to the latest Breast Implant News visit the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons.

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Photo credit: © iStockphoto.com/SanneBerg