Information for Women Considering Breast Implants

13 January 2012

This publication is for all women who are considering having breast implants. It summarises the issues associated with breast implant surgery and includes questions to ask in order to enable you to make an informed choice about breast implants, based on independent advice, before agreeing to surgery.

The information in this publication was originally prepared for the Department of Health by women who have had breast implants, health professionals, and representatives of interested organisations. The content is based on the evidence-based recommendations of the report of the Silicone Gel Breast Implants Independent Review Group (IRG) published in July 1998.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), part of the Department of Health, has produced this revised version of the original booklet, which has been updated to reflect any new published evidence.

Independent healthcare providers must be registered by law with the Care Quality Commission (CQC). They are required to meet essential standards of quality and safety and are monitored to make sure they continue to meet these standards. If you wish to find out more about the independent hospital in which you are considering having your operation, you should contact the Care Quality Commission. Contact details can be found in section 10.

This publication is relevant to anyone considering breast implants for any reason. It refers to women because they make up the great majority of people having breast implants.

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Testimonials

Deciding to have cosmetic surgery is a major step in anyone's life, involving support, research and courage.Having gained the support of my family, and the courage to finally deal with the eye bags that had plagued my life since childhood; I set about finding the right surgeon. After a couple of false starts I had the very good fortune to discover Mr. Anthony Armstrong, who also came highly recommended from my GP.I appreciated his candid approach, and buoyed by his reputation as a surgeon, took the decision to undergo upper and lower blepharoplasty. I received very good information about the procedure and felt totally reassured by his delightful nurse and right hand Sheilagh. The operation was indeed straightforward, and I was left under no illusions as to how I would look in the immediate aftermath, so there were no bad surprises. I was astonished at how quickly the bruises receded, and how swiftly my life could return to normal.It is now 4 months since my procedure, and I am ecstatic with the results. The most important issue was to look fresher and less heavy, but still completely natural. I can confirm that the procedure has exceeded all my expectations, and I would urge anyone considering this type of procedure to go ahead, using the considerable skills of Mr. Anthony Armstrong and his brilliant team.