We have been making requests for help from clinics/plastic surgeons today especially for women with no breast tissue or asymmetry and who have no clinic to turn to for help and cannot face removal-only surgery.
We have been advised there are EXCEPTIONAL Aesthetic REFERRALS on the NHS for R&R which can be offered to private patients in these specific circumstances:
For women: • with a complete absence of breast tissue unilaterally or bilaterally;
OR • with of a significant degree of asymmetry of breast shape of two or more cup sizes
If either or both apply to you then;
1. Check with your local NHS trust ask for details of these referrals in your area.
2. Then arrange a choose & book specialist consultation.(Remember to do your homework on your choice of hospital and surgeon)
3. During the consultation ask for an EXCEPTIONAL AESTHETIC REFERRAL for R&R to your local NHS Trust giving one of the two reasons for it. (see above)
** REMEMBER to ask for AN “EXCEPTIONAL AESTHETIC REFERRAL**
It is definitely worth a try ! PIP FREE is where we all wanna be ! xx
It means if you get an Exceptional Aesthetic Referral approved you get free NHS R&R!! Google search your local NHS trust and give them a call. Ask them who offers this service in your area and then see your gp for a referral under the choose and book scheme ask for a Exceptional Aesthetic Referral to your NHS Trust.
OR
Ask for a specialist consultation for PIP removal and discuss with your consultant. Doctors request this help on your behalf from the NHS Trust in your area
Yes any doctor can make an exceptional referral to the NHS TRust on your behalf - a breast consultant is usually your best bet - but a good GP or psychologist can do it..
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What is the definition of exceptional clinical circumstances?
“Exceptionality means that the patient is significantly different to the general population of patients with the condition in question, and is likely to gain significantly more benefit from the intervention than might normally be expected for patients with that condition…”
" Are PIP victims significantly different to the general population?We think so! "
What if I have a patient whose needs are exceptional?“Exceptionality means that the patient is significantly different to the general population of patients with the condition in question, and is likely to gain significantly more benefit from the intervention than might normally be expected for patients with that condition…”
" Are PIP victims significantly different to the general population?We think so! "
“We welcome Individual Funding Requests- either for patients who are clearly different from the group of patients covered by the policy- or for those with very unusual conditions or clinical presentations. Please: • check the policies (see list below), • use the referral forms and guidance that are available on the PCT’s website to indicate how your patient is exceptional.
"We believe PIP victims should have the same rights to access these NHS treatments as any other woman "
How do I get a referral to an NHS specialist?
You are entitled to ask for a referral for specialist treatment with help from the NHS. You will need to see your GP and get your GP to refer you...Learn more
Also download this form
The Choice Framework explains when you have a legal right to choice about treatment and care in the NHS. The legal right to choice doesn't apply to all healthcare services, however, where you do not have a legal right to choice you should at least be offered some choices, depending on what’s available locally.
Download the Choice Framework and find out where you have the legal right to choice in the NHS Learn more
Breast prosthesis removal or replacement
Background: breast prosthesis may have to be removed after some complications such as leakage of silicone gel or physical intolerance or social unacceptability by the individual. It may have to be replaced after the given age of the implant is over.
Policy: Breast prosthesis removal or replacement will only be funded in accordance with the criteria specified below.
• Revision surgery will only be considered if the NHS commissioned the original surgery. If revision surgery is being carried out for implant failure, the decision to replace the implant(s) rather than simply remove them should be based upon the clinical need for replacement and whether the patient meets the criteria for augmentation at the time of revision.
• For patients who had original surgery carried out privately, removal to make safe only will be provided. Further treatment will only be commissioned in light of appropriate evidence being provided to prove that the patient meets the criteria for breast augmentation at the time of application based on their original breast size before private implants were inserted.
Mastopexy
Background: breasts begin to sag and droop with age as a natural process. Pregnancy, lactation and substantial weight loss may escalate this process. This is sometimes complicated by the presence of a prosthesis which becomes separated from the main breast tissue leading to “double bubble” appearance.
Policy: Mastopexy will only be funded in accordance with the criteria specified below.
• Whilst this is routinely part of treating breast asymmetry and reduction it is not available for purely cosmetic/aesthetic purposes, such as post-lactational ptosis (sagging breasts).
The presence of an implant does not change eligibility for mastopexy.
Revision mammoplasty
Background: the term mammoplasty refers to breast reduction or augmentation procedures. Revision mammoplasty may be indicated if desired results are not achieved or as a result of problem with implants. Policy: Revision mammoplasty will only be funded in accordance with the criteria specified below.
• Revisional surgery will only be considered if the NHS commissioned the original
surgery. If revisional surgery is being carried out for implant failure, the decision to replace the implant(s) rather than simply remove them should be based upon the clinical need for replacement and whether the patient meets the policy for augmentation at the time of revision.
