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On March 30, 2010, breast implants manufactured by Poly Implant Prothese (PIP) were recalled by France’s Health regulators (the AFSSAPS) upon the discovery of an unauthorized type of silicone gel being used in the pre-filled implants.

Since the recall was issued, thousands of women worldwide with PIP implants have been advised to contact their surgeons and undergo an ultrasound to determine whether there are any ruptures or weakening. If any are found, the women have been advised to have the implants removed.

The AFSSAPS has answers for women with PIP implants to many questions, regardless of the country they live in. The question of coverage of complications, however, due to  gel leakage from the breast implant isn’t so simple and will depend on where you live.

Though social security will cover the implant removal in France, many women in other countries are finding it a financial hardship to deal with this issue. Jessica Ward is one such woman who now faces a £5,000 bill just to have the problem fixed, as told to the Manchester News.

Jessica, a 30-year-old council worker from the UK, had tests taken after a breast cancer scare only to find out that the implants she received in 2006 – made by French manufacturer PIP – had ruptured and the gel had seeped out.

Now Jessica is being told by the Harley Medical Group, who carried out the original operation for £4,500 (and who recommended the PIP implants), that they will not pay for the removal and that she must cover the £5,000 to repair the leak. Her only alternative is to wait nine months to try for an operation on the NHS.

Though the total number of women affected by the recall still remains unknown, up to 35,000-45,000 women in 66 different countries (excluding the United States) likely received implants supplied by the French company since 2001.

If you believe that you may have received PIP implants, it is important that you contact your surgeon for an ultrasound as the investigation of the effects of the implants continues.

[ From: emaxhealth.com ]