French breast implants causing concern

A French brand of breast implant is causing concern both here and overseas.

The implant known as PIP implants contain non-approved, non-medical grade silicone gel in them.

President of the New Zealand Association of Plastic Surgeons, Howard Klein says they're now been banned in France, and it's likely only a small number have been used in New Zealand.

He says if women with implants have concerns, they should contact their doctor.

"They should see the original surgeon if possible. If not possible to see the original surgeon because they've retired or moved or no longer in business, then they should see a plastic surgeon near to them."

He says it's thought only about 12 women here will have the implants.

"We think a small number of PIP implants here in New Zealand. There were quite a few implanted in Australia so there'll be some of those people here, some people would have gotten their implants overseas."

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