Huey health

An article last week highlighted the controversy that surrounds the PIP breast implants and in particular whether the NHS should have to pay for the actions of private cosmetic surgery companies.

It contrasts the action of Boots, on discovering there was a minor fault with one of its hot water bottles, with those of the companies involved and noted that the product recall was typical of most companies that had been affected in this way.

It’s important to note of course that there is a big difference between hot water bottles and breast implants, but there is a point to be made that, while Boots was responding to the concerns and acting appropriately, many of the cosmetic surgery firms had not and that it is unacceptable to hear them complain that they can’t afford to replace the implants.

Is this a stark example of the public sector taking all the risks while private companies carry on reaping the rewards? Such firms used the PIP implants because they were cheap and these are the same firms that are offering many women treatment, which perhaps they can’t afford, with the firm safe in the knowledge that, if it all goes wrong, the NHS will pay for the consequences.

It’s true that the scandal has brought the whole cosmetic surgery industry out into the spotlight and what we hear is the influential and authoritative voice of the British Association of Aesthetic and Plastic Surgeons and perhaps an even more noticeable silence from those at, what could be termed the murkier end of the industry. Has the scandal achieved some good in at least exposing them to some unwelcome attention? We’d appreciate your feedback on this issue.