Plastic Surgery Question

[MissCommando]

If you had problems a few years later from a plastic surgery op (which was funded privately) and it was dangerous, would the NHS be willing to rectify it?

[MadMen]

I'm pretty sure, if it was a matter of life or death, they would.


Why, what's happened?

[MissCommando]

Oh it's not me, a family member has breast implants and she's noticed they've gone rock hard. It's got a name when it happens and you either have to have scar tissue removed and/or the implants re-done. She cannot afford to have the op again and reading about it, says they can rupture. She's going to the Docs tomorrow.

[MadMen]

Oh blimey!
Hmm. I'm no expert, but I don't think they'd just give her a new set. I suppose it'd depend on what kind of problems they're causing, and any nasty side-effects.

[ChillDoubt]

The NHS does have an ever increasing requirement to rectify the fall-out when privately performed operations go wrong.
Depending on the severity of the situation the likelihood is that your friend ought to be able to have her implants removed on an elective NHS operating list.
Should they rupture she would be admitted for an operation via A&E anyway.
Furthermore, there are the psychological effects of her dealing with the defective implants that would need to be addressed, so I believe she would be able to have them removed via the NHS.

[magsmay]

She may be able to have them removed on the NH but they would not 'rectify' it -meaning fund having new ones fitted.

[ChillDoubt]

That's why I said rectify the fall-out but didn't mention replacing the implants magsmay.
That is a matter for a private hospital and implant company.

[Henry's Wife]

This s called "capsulectomy" and there are 4 grades to this grade four being the worse! I think in the first instance ask your friend to book an appt with private surgeon whom they had surgery with as I think there is a "special" price for capsule contracture! As going to GP I think you will require funding "exceptional cases!" Which is like getting the lottery numbers up if you get it! As it was treatment your friend received privately in the frst place. Hope it helps x

[MissCommando]

Thanks all, she's petrified to be honest. There's always a risk with surgery I guess but she's had them for 3 and a half years and they've been fine until now. She has lost a couple of stone recently but I don't think that causes them to go hard.

Yeah, she'll have to see the surgeon really as I can't see the GP being much help. Thanks guys.

[Sqad]

Difficult...I must say that I agree with ChillDout...... If it is endangering her health, then treatment is available in the NHS

Private Patients still contribute their taxes and NI to the NHS remember.

I suppose that in our era of " tick box" medicine, there will be a " directive".........somewhere.

I hope that has answered the question.