Last week was a very interesting PIP-related week: I hosted an open evening Q&A session at the Nuffield Tunbridge Wells Hospital for patients worried about PIP implants. My colleague, breast surgeon Haresh Devalia, was with me and we felt it was a real success. There was a very relaxed and open atmosphere with people asking pertinent questions, and it allowed us to put certain myths to bed, whilst also giving an honest account of the situation from our perspective.

The following evening I gave a talk to around 40 GPs from in and around the Tunbridge Wells area on PIP implants. Again, it was refreshing to be able to put across my point of view in the talk, and engage in a constructive discussion with the group afterwards. Most of the GPs seemed to have seen at least one patient with PIP implants, and many had seen several. I was able to give advice to them in relation to how to handle a consultation, as well as where to go for advice and what investigations are appropriate.

The pre-Christmas news stories of the problems with PIP implants reared their head again. I have taken out a number of these faulty implants (some intact) and when they rupture, they are a real mess to remove. Despite non-medical grade silicone being used in the manufacture of these implants, there has been no link to cancer nor any other diseases. What does seem apparent though, is that there rupture rates appears to be significantly higher than what would be considered acceptable. Therefore, a high rupture rate combined with poor quality silicone suggests that removal (with or without replacement with better quality implants) should be recommended.

The annual winter meeting of BAPRAS, which is the main annual UK plastic surgery meeting was infinitely better this year compared with the past. Gone are the multitude of average quality of presentation by trainee plastic surgeons hoping to boost their CV, and instead these have been replaced by good quality research presentations, top level invited speakers and a much higher standard of talks in general. Having been to many meetings abroad, particularly in the US, it is good to see our meeting starting to accomplish what they have been perfecting for years!