Implant Safety — Medical Information
PIP Breast Implants
Understanding the scandal and knowing what to do
The PIP implant scandal, revealed in 2010, affected approximately 400,000 women worldwide. More than 15 years later, some women still carry these implants. Here is everything you need to know.
Timeline of the scandal
Manufacture of fraudulent implants
The company PIP (Poly Implant Prothèse), based in La Seyne-sur-Mer (Var), manufactured breast implants by fraudulently substituting certified medical silicone gel with industrial-grade silicone gel — far cheaper. These implants received CE certification through fraudulent audits.
Fraud discovered
AFSSAPS (the French health product safety agency, now ANSM) discovered the fraud during an inspection and immediately suspended PIP's operations. The company was placed into compulsory liquidation.
Risk assessment
Initial assessments revealed a significantly higher rupture rate than compliant implants (estimated at 10–15% at 10 years vs 1–5% for standard implants) and more frequent local inflammatory reactions. No increased cancer risk was established at this stage.
Preventive removal recommended in France
The French government recommended preventive removal of all PIP implants, even in the absence of symptoms, and announced coverage by the national health insurance. This was one of the first preventive removal recommendations worldwide.
LUCIE study — no increased cancer risk
The French epidemiological LUCIE study, covering more than 30,000 women with PIP implants, confirmed the absence of any increased risk of breast cancer or lymphoma compared to women with other types of implants.
Current situation
Some women still carry PIP implants, particularly abroad where removal recommendations were less clear. In France, the preventive removal recommendation remains in force. National health insurance coverage is maintained.
What are the real risks of PIP implants?
Confirmed risk
Premature rupture
Rupture rate 2 to 3 times higher than compliant implants. The industrial gel caused faster degradation of the silicone shell.
Confirmed risk
Local inflammation
In the event of rupture or gel leakage, local inflammatory reactions (seroma, pain, swelling). Treated by implant removal.
No established increased risk
Cancer / lymphoma
French and international studies have not established any increased risk of breast cancer or lymphoma specifically associated with PIP implants.
What should you do if you still have PIP implants?
Consult a plastic surgeon
Removal of PIP implants is recommended in France. If you have not yet had them removed, book an appointment with a qualified plastic surgeon to plan the explantation under the best conditions.
Verify your coverage
In France, explantation of PIP implants has been covered by national health insurance since 2012. Contact your GP and your CPAM to begin the process.
Decide on replacement
Removal alone (without replacement) is possible. If you wish to have new compliant implants fitted, this can be discussed with your surgeon. Replacement may be partially covered depending on the situation.
Report any symptoms
If you experience pain, sudden swelling, asymmetry, or any change in the feel of a breast, seek medical advice promptly. These signs may indicate implant rupture.