Castlefield Clinic PIP Implant Media Coverage

We, at Castlefield Clinic, are proud to say we’ve had a lot of positive media coverage concerning the PIP implant removal we carried out to help Penelope Cheshire.

Here, we’ll keep you up to date with the latest news and coverage that has been received in various media outlets.

Television

We were featured on Granada Reports on Friday 20th Jan, where the reporter followed Penelope’s journey to having her PIP implants removed by Dr Agarwal. Penelope is finally interviewed moments after her operation is over for her thoughts.

Radio

Penelope was interviewed on BBC Radio Manchester on Monday 23rd Jan, just 3 days after her operation, and she was feeling great and was also relieved that a great weight was lifted off her mind.

Newspapers

On Tuesday 24th January, Penelope’s story was featured as a front page headline in the Manchester Evening News, with a double page spread covering her story. Penelope discusses her experiences at ther previous clinic, as well as her frustrations at not being able to get the matter resolved, and finally having her treatment and her experience at Castlefield Clinic.

Online

Manchester Evening News also ran the story from their print version, on their website.

Manchester Confidential published an article and subsequent interview with Nishant, our Managing Director on Thursday 26th January

 

Keep checking back for more updates and media coverage

TOWIE PIP Panic Resolved by Castlefield Clinic

PRESS RELEASE                                   17^th January 2012

TOWIE PIP PANIC RESOLVED – LAUREN POPE & MARIA FOWLER’S BEST FRIEND IS HAVING BANNED IMPLANTS REMOVED BY CASTLEFIELD CLINIC

 

Castlefield Clinic, one of the North West’s leading cosmetic surgery providers, is taking a responsible stance on the PIP Panic and is helping to replace the banned implants despite having never used them themselves.

As TOWIE’s Lauren Pope spoke of her shock last week at discovering she has potentially dangerous silicone breast implants, best friend and ex housemate, Penelope Cheshire from Greater Manchester also realized she was one of the 40,000 women having undergone the knife with the same surgeon as both Lauren and Maria.

The 29-year-old entrepreneur and TOWIE socialite, Penelope, underwent a breast augmentation in 2008 with Lauren and Maria at Harley Street in London to boost her confidence and increase her cup size from a C-cup to DD, costing £5,000.

Having recently encountered health problems including shooting pains and a burning sensation, possibly caused by the faulty implants, Penelope is due to have the banned implants removed by Manchester-based, family owned firm Castlefield Clinic, at a cost of £4,500.  The original implants, manufactured by Poly Implant Prosthesis, will be removed and Castlefield Clinic will replace them with implants made by reputable manufacturer Nagor.

TOWIE star and friend Maria Fowler, commented: “Luckily I am not one of the women who unfortunately have PIP implants. It upsets me that in this day and age something like this has happened. I hope that Penelope and the other 40,000 women get the correct advice and support on the next steps to take to get them removed safety”

Dr Agarwal from the Castlefield Clinic, added: “Castlefield Clinic has never used the banned PIP implants, instead favouring the higher quality and more premium equivalents. With 20 years of experience in this field, The Castlefield Clinic is positioned perfectly to help women who would like to replace their implants.”

Castlefield Clinic is Manchester’s leading cosmetic surgery provider, specialising in groundbreaking procedures in both surgical and non-surgical treatments, including Twilight Sedation leading to quicker recovery times and no overnight stays. A family owned and run business, Castlefield Clinic places a huge focus on patient care and welfare.

 For more information visit http://cosmetic-surgery.eu.com

 -ENDS-

 

The latest on the PIP Implant scare

Over the last few days, at Castlefield Clinic, we’ve fielded a huge number of phone calls from worried patients who have had breast implant surgery and want to know what their options are.

There is also a lot of confusion around about what the facts are. Everywhere you turn, someone else is spouting a new statistic, that isn’t designed to reassure, but instead scare and panic people.

While we don’t claim to be experts on PIP implants, we can collect a lot of the reputable information together so that you can make a more informed decision about your own health and wellbeing.

It is worth mentioning at this juncture that we have never used PIP implants, not because we had a crystal ball that allowed us to see into the future, but because our surgeon didn’t like the feel of these cheaper implants. We believe in only using the best tools and resources available, and that in turn will give you the best results.

The PIP implant

The PIP implants have a thin “plasticky” shell with a silicone gel inside, and they feel more like a semi-deflated water balloon. We have traditionally used cohesive gel implants that come with a more rhobust coating and the gel is laser shaped, which means that even if the outer coating were to rupture, the gel would remain in-situ. Imagine a jelly baby… if you cut it into 2 pieces, those pieces still retain their structural integrity.

Co-gel implant with shaped gel

The picture shows a gel implant with the shaped gel. You can see how the gel has been pre-shaped and so it holds its structural integrity.

 

Implant Rupture

 

Once an implant is inserted into the breast, the body naturally forms a capsule around that implant because it is a foreign body. This is a perfectly natural defence mechanism. If these implants rupture, the gel remains in place, and removal of these implants is a relatively simple process. Indeed, these implants come with a lifetime structure guarantee… whereby if your implants were to rupture, they would be replaced free of charge.

 

With a PIP implant, if the implant ruptures, the silicone will leak into the capsule and become a free agent. It is at this point that some would argue that the presence of this silicone can cause cancer, and some would argue against. There is, according to the British authorities, no identified link as yet.

 

The problem with PIP implants specifically has been that the silicone used is not designated for use in the human body, and so it is inherantly dangerous to your health.

 

Implant Removal

 

In general, if you are worried about something, you should act on that, and if you are genuinely worried, have your implants removed. They can be replaced by non-PIP implants like the cohesive gel implants we use.

 

The MHRA, who are the UK regulator for medical devices, currently advise against mass removal. This is because, as mentioned earlier, there is no identified link between a rupture and ill-health.

 

Our Advice

• We would advise that the first port of call is the surgeon who inserted the implants in the first place. The reason is very simple, they know if you have PIP implants in the first place, and they also performed the original procedure, and so will know of any specific issues that they may have dealt with at the time of operation.
• Please don’t accept no for an answer if you are worried. You have a right as a patient to on-going care.
• We also advise against rushing to see “implant removal specialists”. A simple Google search will through up many companies offering this. Until the last week, this wasn’t an issue, so no one can be a “specialist”.
• Do, however, consider seeing a reputable company if you are beign knocked back by your original surgeon.
• Do consider that you may have to pay, not necessarily for the removal, but for replacement implants.
• Do ensure that you know what is being put in your body from now on.

 

Further to this, there is some advice for people considering having breast enlargement for the very first time.

• Don’t let this put you off… good quality breast implants are very safe indeed, as long as you know what is going inside your body
• Please ask your surgeon questioins about the implants themselves
• Be prepared that good quality means a realistic price. If the price is too good to be true, is the implant of sufficient quality for you to put in your own body?

Some Further Reading

We have been reading about this story with great interest, and have put together some of the best articles so you can make your own conclusions. These are hopefully reputable sources which keep the hype down to a minimum.

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons

The British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons

The Guardian story on surgeons who put quantity before quality

MHRA official guidance

The Telegraph on who should foot the bill

BBC website Q&A

The very latest from the BBC

If you are worried or would like some advice on what to ask, please do no hesitate to contact us, we would be glad to provide some guidance on what your options are

We catch up with our good friend and ex-patient Gary Numan

This weekend saw Heaton Park taken over by ice-cream lovers and music enthusiasts alike for the Ben & Jerry’s Sundae in the Park.  The event boasted 2 music stages, a host of games and entertainment not to mention all the free ice-cream you can handle!

We were very luck to catch up with Castlefield Clinic ex-patient and friend, Gary Numan who was headlining the festival and saw him grace the stage with the likes of Maximo Park, Ocean Colour Scene and the Fun Lovin’ Criminals.

Gary shared with us all he has been up to of late, as well as what he has in-store for the year…

So Gary, tell us how you became involved with the Ben & Jerry’s festival?

Well, with a new album coming out on Sept 5^th, I felt it was time to get back to performing. In the past it has not been my favourite thing as I always preferred being in the studio. Recently it has sort of flipped seeing me enjoy the performing side a lot more.

Tell us what you have in the pipe-line over the next year..

Well it’s a busy year ahead! I have the album coming up in September followed by a seven date tour. This album is more of a side project but next year is the release of my next big album which will be followed by an International tour covering everywhere from the UK to Australia. There’s always so much pressure with big albums but I feel that the time is right now.

Well that all sounds very exciting!

As part of Castlefield Clinic 20^th birthday celebrations this year, they have launched a campaign to find the Face & Body of Castlefield Clinic. What qualities do you feel the models must possess to win this competition?

Well of course you’ve got to be good looking! But I also think that kindness and most definitely patience are very important qualities to have.

And finally, Castlefield Clinic believes in promoting Happiness inside…What makes you happy inside?

Well I love my job but nothing makes me happier then getting home from the studio and spending time with my family.

Thanks for speaking with us Gary and good luck with the festival and the album.

READ GARY’S STORY OF HIS FACE LIFT

 

You can next catch Gary on the Dead Son Rising tour in September ’11.

The Safest Breast Implants at Castlefield Clinic

At Castlefield Clinic, we like to keep at the forefront of newly developed technologies. This is why we have introduced the new Polyurethane coated breast implants that reduce the biggest risk from breast enlargement surgery, that of encapsulation, from occuring in around 5% of cases to just under 1% of cases.

This will come as welcome news as we look to reduce the risks from surgery further, and combine this new development with our experience in using Twilight Sedation, and radio frequency technology.

What is encapsulation?

When an implant is inserted into the breast, the body naturally forms a capsule around that implant to keep it in place and ensure that it is isolated from the rest of the breast tissue. In the vast majority of cases, this capsule remains soft and is not noticeable by sight or to the touch.

In 5% of cases, however, this capsule can become hard, and in the worst cases the capsule can start to contract to try and force the implant out. Unfortunately, there is as yet, no way of knowing if someone is going to react in this way until a breast enlargement has been carried out.

Polyurethane Breast Implants

The new Polyurethane coated breast implants mean that the chance of a capsule going hard is reduced to just under 1% of cases, meaning that the risk has actually been reduced by over 80%. The special coating works with the breast tissue in a way to prevent the capsule going hard. Which is why we are all excited about this news, and after studying the extensive clinical data, the implants have passed the Castlefield Clinic Quality check.

We have already placed Polyurethane coated implants in many of our patients, and are delighted that they have given us great feedback, and are extremely happy with their results.

Patient Comments

Tracy said “I actually chose the polyurethane coated implants because I had encapsulation previously. I’m so glad I made the choice now, becuse my breasts are soft again, and the results are very natural looking. I’ve finally got the result I wanted”

Surgery with Polyurethane implants is the safest breast enlargement surgery on the market right now, and is available at Castlefield Clinic Manchester

Guide to Choosing Your Cosmetic Surgeon

You need to divide your thoughts into 2 clear areas; am I going to be safe, and will I get the result I am after.

Firstly, safety. You need to find out if the surgeon is registered with the General Medical Council, that he or she has Indemnity Insurance, and that the place where you are being operated on is registered with the Care Quality Commission. You will hear a lot of people saying you need to check if the doctor is registered with this professional body and that professional body, which is all fine and well, but the 3 main checks are the ones I’ve mentioned. You can check the registration with the GMC by clicking here, and whether the hospital is registered with the care Quality Commission by clicking here.

Secondly, you want to find out if you will get the result you are looking for. The best way for any surgeon to demonstrate this is by showing you actual before and after pictures, and loads of them. If they only have a limited number you need to ask why! They should also be able to put you in touch with people who have had a similar treatment before. This will give you an honest and accurate view of the experiences you can expect. Finally, you must ensure you ask about aftercare. You will be spending a serious amount of money if you are considering cosmetic surgery, and you need to know that you are going to be looked after with decency and respect.

To find out more about cosmetic surgery in general, visit our website, where you can find a wealth of information and even download information packs about specific procedures.

10 Cosmetic Surgery Predictions for 2011 – Castlefield Clinic

The 10 Cosmetic Surgery Trends for 2011

 Predictions are based on interviews with leading plastic surgeons around the country, who are actively involved in cutting edge surgical and non surgical aesthetic/cosmetic technology.

• As the economy continues to improve, demand for facelifts and other facial rejuvenation surgery will increase. Non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures will also see some growth, but people who have been putting off surgery for the past few years because of the economy will be ready for the gold standard in facial rejuvenation in 2011.
• The growth and popularity of cosmetic injectables (Botox, Dysport, Sculptra, Radiesse, Evolence, Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane etc.) will continue to increase as products continue to evolve and new players enter the market.
• As our population increasingly realises the dangers and health consequences of obesity, the number of patients seeking plastic surgery procedures for body contouring after dramatic weight loss (abdominoplasty, lower body lift, upper arm lift, etc.) will rise in 2011.
• As the baby boomer generation continues to age, so do their breast implants. This year many baby boomer women who have aging implants and/or breast ptosis will replace their implants and have breast lifts.
• Consumers looking for a bargain on cosmetic procedures will unfortunately lead to an increase in horror stories about “discount injectables” bought offshore and cosmetic medicine and cosmetic surgical procedures performed by untrained or poorly trained practitioners.
• While liposuction (lipoplasty) will continue to be the gold-standard in fat reduction, there will be continued interest in experimental techniques for non-invasive fat removal (freezing, zapping, lasering, etc.) as a future alternative or adjunct to liposuction (lipoplasty) surgery.
• Aesthetic Medicine has seen a dramatic increase in the diversity of the patients treated over the past decade and this trend is expected to continue to grow stronger than ever, with applications that cater to all people. The appeal of both aesthetic surgery and cosmetic medicine will continue to spread across the spectrum of our population, as plastic surgeons further tailor treatments to meet the sometimes unique needs of that expanding population.
• As the popularity of non surgical and minimally invasive procedures continues to grow, surgeons and manufacturers will develop new techniques and products that advance the science, produce even better results and lessen recovery time.
• Celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Beyonce, and Jennifer Lopez have made a shapely rear-end a must have accessory. In the coming year patients will be seeking posterior body lifts, buttock lifts, surgical and nonsurgical buttock augmentations to shape and augment their buttocks.
• Following the trend in increased consumer sophistication patients will increasingly want to know if the latest procedure and device being touted on the internet and TV talk show really works and if it is safe. Safety will be a key message in 2011

source: http://www.healthcanal.com/surgery-rehabilitation/13337-Cosmetic-Plastic-Surgery-Predictions-for-2011.html

Closed Rhinoplasty – The Scarless Nose Job

At Castlefield Clinic Cosmetic Surgery, we work to ensure that you get all the benefits of cosmetic surgical procedures without the associated downtime. Well, with the nose job, we go a step further and eliminate scars.

Our expert surgeon uses a technique called the closed rhinoplasty which is the type of surgery that is used exclusively on the inside of the nose so no cuts take place on the nose’s outer surface.

We feel that the closed rhinoplasty is the procedure of choice for people who want to change the size, shape or projection of their nose. Because incisions and shaping take place inside the nostrils, there is no risk of external scarring, and swelling is kept to an absolute minimum. The closed rhinoplasty is our preferred choice to modify the appearance of your nose.You can correct a hump on the bridge of the nose, you can raise or reduce the tip, straighten the septum, and a great side effect is that the nasal airway can be cleared and breathing becomes easier.

When combined with Twilight Sedation, the whole procedure really does become a lot more comfortable and quicker to recover from, with our patients typically reporting that they don’t feel the need to take any form of pain relief within 48 hours of their operation. Compare that with the weeks of bruising and swelling from a more traditional rhinoplasty, and you can see why the closed nose job is our preferred choice.

To find out more, click here

The Cosmetic Surgery Satisfaction Survey Results Are In….

As a responsible and regulated cosmetic surgery clinic, Castlefield Clinic conducts on-going patient satisfaction surveys to ensure the standard of the service being offered meets the exacting expectations of our patients. So, we are pleased to announce those results today. 

In 2010;

Consultation

·         100% of our patients strongly agreed that their consultation was conducted in a stress free environment and manner and that they were given thorough and comprehensive information at their consultation

·         100% of our patients strongly agreed that their consultation was carried out with the utmost professionalism

·         100% of our patients said they understood everything that was explained to them at their consultation

 

The Clinical Care

·         100% of our patients strongly agreed that their nursing care was excellent

·         100% of our patients strongly agreed that their Surgeon was excellent

 

The Treatment

·         93% of our patients strongly agreed that the treatment matched their expectations

The Aftercare

·         100% of our patients strongly agreed that they felt they could call the clinic if they had a problem

 

Another reason why thousands of people have chosen Castlefield Clinic in the past, and continue to place their trust in us today.

Castlefield Clinic continue to set the standards in Cosmetic Surgery

There has recently been a lot of press attention around a national survey of cosmetic surgery clinics carried out called the National Confidential Enquiry into Patient Outcome and Death (NCEPOD).

Castlefield Clinic, as a clinic registered and regulated by the Care Quality Commission, we are required, by law, to participate in the survey that looks at patient safety across the industry, and we duly completed our questionnaire.

The findings were frankly concerning, and only recently more specific details were released. We strive to be the best, and to be the best you need to set the standards in the industry.

The survey found that;

• 70% of clinics/companies identified refused to participate and are so effectively unregulated
• 11.5% of clinics ceased to exist between being identified and being approached to take part

This is further highlighted by the recent news that a major competitor has been bought out by another of the large companies in the market. Our track record of nearly 20 years speaks for itself!

• 32% of clinics/companies do not offer a two-stage deferred consent process, or ‘cooling off’ period after booking surgery
• 56% always do the initial patient consultation with a consultant surgeon

At Castlefield Clinic, we have always stuck to our promise that we will honour our requirement to give you a full 14 day ‘cooling off’ period, and furthermore, that your consultation will ALWAYS be with the surgeon that will be operating on you.

In addition to this, we always make our 4 point guarantee to any of our patients. We Guarantee;

The safety of your cosmetic surgery and/or non-surgical treatment. Our clinic is registered with the Care Quality Commission, and year on year, we demonstrate to them that we have one of the best safety records in the country

You will be FULLY informed about your proposed procedure. We provide comprehensive cosmetic surgery treatment guides and we give you a no-pressure cooling off period to make an informed decision that is best for you

A tailored and caring after care regime. Many cosmetic surgery clinics see you as a number, another tick on the sales board. We see you as a person, and that means we care for your needs, especially after your cosmetic surgery or non-surgical treatment

No other cosmetic surgery in Manchester or indeed the UK can offer you a more comfortable and speedier recovery following your cosmetic surgery.

We have always felt that this is the right and ethical approach to your safety and wellbeing, and are encouraged that on this recent evidence, we continue to set the highest standards in the cosmetic surgery industry.

For more information, please visit our website, and find out why Castlefield Clinic continues to excel.