For Private Patients there are so many deals available using different implant types, terms and conditions and with varying aftercare packages. Although you may just want those horrible implants out ASAP, it is therefore important that you do your research carefully and check what you are committing to.
Returning to your Original Provider: Could or Would You?
It’s hard, but try to be objective. Before the PIP implants bombshell, were you happy with the standard of care you received from your original provider or did you always have concerns? Are you happy with the way they have responded to the PIP crisis? Is returning to them even an option or have they gone into liquidisation? If you can stomach the thought of going back to the people who did this to you, it may be your best chance of both getting a good deal and forcing them to take responsibility for their actions.
- Some of the smaller cosmetic surgery groups like Spire and BMI healthcare have accepted responsibility for their PIP patients and are offering free Removal and Replacements. These are on a like-for-like basis, although feedback suggests they are quite flexible.
- The Harley Medical Group only recently started offering free removal and replacement to their original patients. But there are clauses: you need a scan-confirmed rupture within 6 years of implantation. If your rupture occurred within 10 years of implantation, they will only explant free of charge although they will replace the implants at ‘cost price’ (read more about this). As standard, they use CUI implants (the budget Allergan range which does not have FDA approval); Natrelle costs £300 extra. They are reportedly asking patients to sign a disclaimer releasing them from potential to sue once THMG have performed corrective surgery. On a plus note, they don’t insist on like-for-like sizes and use the existing scar when removing implants. Expect a long wait for your surgery.
- Transform are still not offering free R&R to their PIP patients. ‘Lucky’ PIP-implanted Transformers can pay the subsidised fee of £2500 for Allergan CUI or Natrelle implants, though forum reports suggest tendencies to push ladies towards the cheaper CUI option.
- Surgicare (The Hospital Group) is also charging its patients £2500. And don’t hold your breath for recouping costs as this company has long since been bought out and become incorporated with The Medical Group. You can have a removal for free and a removal with uplift for £3000. Apparently, Surgicare require patients to sign a disclaimer agreeing that they have been advised not to have their implants removed before they will operate. Again, their standard implant is CUI unless you pay extra for Natrelle click here for more info.
Choosing Your Cosmetic Surgeon: Other Private Deals
If you can’t or simply won’t return to your original provider, it’s time to do your homework. There are a lot of surgeons and cosmetic surgery centres out there keen to jump on the PIP implants profit wagon, so there’s no need to settle for the first offer you get. Deals for patients with ‘no original obligation’ seemingly range from £3000 up to nearer £5000!
There are surgeons and centres with ‘Special Offer’ or subsidised deals at around £3200. They are able to offer this price due to deals with the implant manufacturers and cutbacks in the surgeon’s profit margin. Do be wary that the subsidised fee isn’t the result of cheaper implants (most top surgeons dislike using the Allergan CUI or Nagor GFX ranges, preferring the better quality Natrelle Inspira and Impleo varieties) or reduced aftercare periods. Also check whether you will be tied to having implants on a ‘like-for-like’ basis only; whether you are entitled to any extra correction should the need arise and if you will be made to sign any unusual forms or disclaimers.
Read PIP Implants Reviews
You’re already on The Good Surgeon Guide, so that’s a great place to start! There are an abundance of PIP Implants support groups, on forums like soFeminine.co.uk and Facebook social media. These are a great way to share firsthand experiences of other PIPettes before you start booking consultations yourself. You can also read website and magazine reviews of surgeons and centres. Do remember to take all spin with a pinch of salt: any feedback – good or bad – can easily be written by a competitor or PR agent rather than a genuine patient.
We’re compiling a comparison table to help other PIPettes! Click Here to tell us about the Best – and Worst! – PIP deals you’ve seen.
