Product recall

Implants may be recalled because of concerns around:

• the implant shell (outer layer)
• the implant filling
• a problem with the packaging of the device

Implant recalls are very rare. In the 1990s an oil-filled implant was introduced. It was recalled because of concerns around the filling. This was the last time an implant had to be removed and replaced in people who had them.

Much more recently PIP implants were withdrawn because of concerns around the filling of the implant. The filling was believed to be substandard. This means it did not meet medical safety requirements.

Why it’s useful to have a registry

Participation in implant registries is very helpful. It helps find:

• whether a particular implant is causing problems
• people who have implants when concerns have been raised

How you’ll be contacted

If there are safety concerns, you should be contacted and recalled for assessment.

NHS Scotland will use your personal details to try and trace your current address. The records on the NHS database will be used. For this reason, if your address or name changes please update your GP records.

The organisation that carried out your surgery will be provided with your current address, where available, so that they can:

• contact you
• arrange for the right steps to be taken to ensure your safety

If the organisation that performed the surgery no longer exists, you’ll be contacted by NHS Scotland.

If you are an overseas patient, an attempt will be made to contact you at the address you provided when you had your surgery.