IPRAS, the International Confederation for Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery represents about 40.000 plastic surgeons in 101 countries.

IPRAS wants to emphasize on the fact, that the official document, issued on December 23rd, 2011 by the French Health Authorities, recommending the removal of breast implants, only affects women with PIP Implants, manufactured by Poly Implant Prosthese, France and M Implants, distributed by Rofil Medical, Netherlands.

These patients only are strongly advised to visit their plastic surgeons as soon as possible  for an examination and additional information and advice.
In order to accommodate all patients who decide to go for a removal of their breast implants, IPRAS has mobilized all its resources. For those national societies of plastic surgery, that cannot handle the additional workload, we shall identify additional capacities in the neighbouring countries. Within the EU, insurance companies usually cover treatment abroad, so that this can be done without additional costs for these patients, who deserve all our support.

All other women with breast implants should continue to feel safe with these devices.
Many studies have proven that women with breast implants tend to have 30% less regular breast cancer than statistically expected. If they do get breast cancer their survival rate is 30% higher than the survival rate of women without implants.
For these patients, it is sufficient that they see their plastic surgeons once a year. Self examination is highly recommended and an immediate consultation is necessary if their breasts change in size or shape or develop lumps.

IPRAS offers support for those patients who do not have a plastic surgeon in their area under media@iprasmanagement.com.

IPRAS is closely monitoring the developments. We have alerted all our members immediately after the official announcement of the problems and we will keep informing the public on each new progress.