Prothese (PIP) breast implants removed as a precautionary measure. The implants were banned in 2010 after they were found to contain a non-medical grade silicone filler which was intended for use in mattresses. Tests have not shown any increased risk of toxicity from this filler compared to normal implants, but mechanical testing has shown the implant covers have an increased risk of rupturing. The gel inside can be irritative, increasing the risk of inflammation reaction - making removal more difficult. There is no increased breast cancer risk but a single case of a rare form of cancer called anaplastic large cell lymphoma was recently reported in France. American and French experts suggest there is a small but increased risk of this cancer for women with breast implants in general.

It is thought some 40,000 British women have the implants. Based on reports to the MHRA approximately 1% of women in the UK with PIP breast implants have suffered implant failure, including rupture. This contrasts with information from the French medical device regulatory authority, AFSSAPS, which suggests a failure rate, including rupture, of around 5% in France.

The MHRA states that it is not recommending their routine removal in the UK due to a lack of evidence of any increase in incidents of cancer associated with these implants and no evidence of any disproportionate rupture rates other than in France. It is awaiting the evidence to support the decision made in France and will issue further advice if necessary. In the meantime, the Agency recommends that all patients who have questions about their PIP breast implants should seek advice from their implanting surgeon.