Faulty Pip Implants to Be Removed. - United Kingdom

Hello everyone, here’s my story: I had silicone implants in July 2000. I was 27 at the time and 34a/b. I was also pear shaped and wanted to be evened up and to feel more feminine. My aim was to be a c cup, as i didn’t want anything too obvious. I went to a company called Bodylooks as the surgeons that they used were well-respected NHS surgeons within good private hospitals. The company has since gone into administration.

The implants were done in the July 2000 and were bigger than I had wanted, turning out to be a 34dd. I never wanted an obvious boob job and didn’t want anyone to know (apart from very close people). To be honest I have always been embarrassed as I didn’t want to be seen as a fake... part of me was still that shy girl inside who used to cover herself up with baggy clothes. Since I have tended to keep myself covered up and not promote the fact that they aren’t real, but saying that I was very pleased with the look in clothes – just not too tight ones! I definitely gained more confidence. Unfortunately there were some downsides. I lost a lot of sensation in both breasts, with numbness on the underside and with nipple sensation virtually non-existent in one breast and ridiculously painfully sensitive in the other. Obviously this wasn’t ideal (but I wasn’t happy with what the look of my boobs were like before anyway....so i kind of accepted it as a downside). The really difficult part for me came when I had my children, as I was unable to breast feed - I believed the surgeon when he said that I would still be able to bf . But for me, one nipple was numb and the other was so sensitive that it felt like a needle was being put through it. Psychologically this really affected me as I felt like a terrible mother. But who knows, perhaps the children may have been affected by leaching silicone…one can’t say and will never know. Other downsides were obvious ones like sleeping on your front/hugging people etc.

By 2011, I knew that because my implants were nearly 12 years old that they would have to be changed. I was kind of burying my head in the sand as they weren’t causing me any obvious problems. Then the pip scandal broke out in the news in the UK late 2011. I didn’t honestly think I was affected as on the hospital website it had said that all patients who had received pips had been written to in 2010, which I hadn’t. I called the hospital and they confirmed that the implants were pips. I booked an appointment with a consultant for the next week. That weekend I was in a complete state, and it didn’t help that I found a lump on one of the implants, which made me totally paranoid! I really didn’t know what to do as far as the implants were concerned. I’m at a totally different part of my life as I was then…now married, two children, more inner confidence etc. Then I found this site and gradually everything became so much clearer (so thanks to everyone who posted their stories!)

So last week, I went to see a breast reconstruction expert at the hospital. He offered to remove and replace the implants (for free!), but I’ve opted for a removal instead. I have booked in for the two weeks time. I am nervous, worried about what I will look like, worried about scars, sensation, tiny bras and boobs, sagginess; all the normal worries I’m sure. So keep posting stories and updates. I will keep you updated and will put some pictures on soon!! Counting down the days…

Hi ladies. Thanks for your well wishes. Am now in my gown waiting for the op. my surgeon and anaethetist have been round and I'm programmed in for 3pm. Nervous, with a dodgy tummy. Worried i will be awake in the op and that the anaesthetic won't work (is this a weird thought!?!) I'm also starving as no food since 6am!

Have been resolute I want them out although there's always a 1% 'am I doing the right thing' question. But I know deep down its the right decision.

Will keep you updated!!

Feeling much better this morning. Am in hospital as stayed overnight. Was very nauseous yesterday and sick after te anaesthetic. The reaction to the pain killers etc also made me realise that although I thought I was dying in childbirth (not literally) actually I'm so glad I didn't have any drugs as last night I felt really awful.

This morning am feeling very tender and sore but mobility is good. I've also put on my macom bra and that feels much better than without. My breasts look pretty sorrowful. Very saggy and empty, but I know 100% that I've done the right thing. They're small but they feel so soft and I don't look top heavy and frumpy (although now I need to seriously tone my backside so I don't look so pear shaped!!).

My consultant has been round. He said my left implant was ruptured and that he cleaned it all out well. He is happy this morning and seems to think I will have a quick recovery - and I agree with him.

Sorry if the review is bitty. Am doing it via my phone.

I will update with pictures over the next few days. I jut want to reiterate that already, although they are a sorrowful state I am certain that the explant was the right thing to do. Thanks ladies for all your inspirational stories.

Xx