Adverts have appeared in national newspapers to advise women what to do if they have PiP breast implants.
The adverts are also running on websites and will be available for GPs and the NHS to put up in surgeries and hospitals.
They set out the latest advice from the NHS and plastic surgery experts that women with PiP breast implants do not need to have them removed unless they have symptoms such as pain and tenderness.
It makes clear that there is no link to cancer and there is no clear evidence of an increased risk of harm compared to other brands of breast implants.
The Government is advising women to take three steps to reassure themselves. The steps are to:
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Find out if they have PiP implants by checking their medical notes. This information can be accessed for free from clinics or through GPs. Women who had PiP implants on the NHS will receive a letter in the next few weeks.
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Speak to their GP or surgeon. Women who had PiP implants on the NHS should speak to their specialist or GP and women who had them done privately should speak to their clinic.
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Agree what’s best for you. Women should get advice on whether or not they need a scan then discuss appropriate action with their doctor.
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For those who decide with their doctor that they want their implants replaced, the NHS will do it for free if the original operation was done on the NHS. However, if the original operation was performed in a private clinic the patient will need to speak to their clinic to see if they will replace them for free.
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If a private clinic no longer exists or refuses to remove the PiP implants, the Government is advising women to speak to their GP. The NHS will remove the implants if the doctor agrees, but the NHS will not replace implants unless it is clinically necessary.
For further information, people are advised to visit www.nhs.uk/implants
