Preliminary Testing Shows No Evidence of Toxicity

London – 03 September, 2010 – The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (www.baaps.org.uk), welcomes today the news from the Medicine and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) that the gel inside controversial PIP implants shows no evidence of chemical or genotoxicity (potential for cancer). The BAAPS, the not-for-profit organisation established for the advancement of education and practice of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery for public benefit, reiterate that any ruptured implants, of any kind, will still need removing.

A study earlier this year found that the company making the low-cost PIP implants, which has since gone into administration, not only dispensed with a protective shell from 2005 but was also using an untested gel, apparently intended for use in mattresses. Further tests are still being conducted by the French Competent Authority (AFSSAPS).

According to consultant plastic surgeon and BAAPS President Nigel Mercer;

“We would like to praise the MHRA for their proactive response in conducting safety tests and are delighted with the results - that there is little risk to patients from the gel. Hopefully this will reduce the anxiety of patients whilst further studies are expected from France. Our advice remains that women with suspected rupture contact their surgeon and undergo an ultrasound and removal, as they would with any ruptured implant.”

ENDS
The BAAPS (www.baaps.org.uk), based at the Royal College of Surgeons, is a not-for-profit organisation, established for the advancement of education and practice of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery for public benefit. Members undergo thorough background screening before they can join. Information about specific procedures and surgeons’ contact details can be found on the web site, or by contacting their advice line at 020 7405 2234. Further materials can be posted to members of the public seeking specialised information. For all media enquiries, please contact Tingy Simoes on 020 7549 2863 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it