About your Procedure

All implants should meet guidelines set out by the regulator, Medicines & Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). If you are thinking of having implants, check with your surgeon that they meet the guidelines.

Your hospital should keep a record of your surgery including information on the type and make of implant used. So if a product is ever recalled they can contact you to let you know.

Speak to your surgeon and get full information, including the advantages and disadvantages of the different types and shapes of implants. Manufacturers of implants produce information on their products – your surgeon should have this information to give to you.

Talk over the procedure, the implant options available and possible risks and complications with your surgeon so you can make the decision that is right for you.

After your surgery, before you leave the hospital, ask for written information about the procedure you’ve had. This should include the type and manufacturer of the implants used, in case you ever need this information for any follow-up appointments or further surgery.

In the UK, two types of breast implants are commonly used.

• Silicone gel implants – available as a liquid, a gel, or a solid form similar to plastic
• Saline (sterile salt water) implants

Breast implants are a long-term commitment. The length of time a breast implant lasts is unknown and may vary from person to person. Implants are likely to need to be replaced at some point, which means further surgery and possible extra expense. Speak to your surgeon about what is involved.