All information is correct at time of printing and is subject to change without notice. The Devon Formulary and Referral Website is not in any way liable for the accuracy of any information printed and stored by users. For the most up-to-date information, please refer to the website.
This is a summary of the NHS Devon commissioning policy for Breast implants removal and replacement.
Breast implant removal
Patients who have had previous augmentation surgery privately should be directed back to the private provider in the first instance.
Where there is a clinical indication for removal of breast implants this will be commissioned in the following circumstances:
This commissioning decision applies regardless of funding source of the original surgery (i.e. whether funded by the NHS or on a private basis). In the event that only one implant is affected, removal of both implants will be offered to ensure symmetry.
The removal of breast implants due to symptoms termed as Breast Implant Illness (BII) or Autoimmune Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants (ASIA), or due to the risk of developing Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is not routinely commissioned.
Breast implant replacement
Treatment for patients wishing to have their implants replaced will only be commissioned for patients who meet the above criteria for removal AND whose original breast augmentation was performed by the NHS as part of a treatment plan to repair or reconstruct missing or damaged tissue that occurred through accident or illness.
Breast implant replacement or any other cosmetic procedures (e.g., mastopexy), is not routinely commissioned for patients where their original augmentation procedure was privately funded. Patients are not able to self-fund the additional cost of replacement implant(s) (or any other cosmetic procedures) at the same time as surgery to remove implant(s).
This policy does not cover breast reconstruction following surgery for breast cancer.
Patients are not able to self-fund the additional cost of the replacement implant at the same time as surgery to remove the implant as this is inconsistent with DH guidance on 'top up' payment
Guidance notes on exceptionality
Where the circumstances of treatment for an individual patient do not meet the criteria described above exceptional funding can be sought. Individual cases will be
reviewed by the appropriate panel of the ICB upon receipt of a completed application from the patient’s GP, consultant or clinician.
Applications cannot be considered directly from patients.
Breast implants removal and replacement commissioning policy
Exceptional /Individual Funding Requests (IFR)
Applications for consideration for funding approval should be sent to:
Email: d-icb.ifr-newsdt@nhs.net
Individual Funding Request (IFR)
Date of decision: 7 March 2012
This commissioning decision was adopted by Northern, Eastern and Western
Devon CCG and South Devon and Torbay CCG on 1 April 2013, having been
originally agreed by the previous commissioning organisations (NHS Devon,
NHS Plymouth and Torbay Care Trust).
This policy has been adopted from Northern, Eastern and Western Devon CCG
and South Devon and Torbay CCG by NHS Devon from 1 April 2019
This policy has been adopted by NHS Devon ICB on 1st July 22.
Updated: 29th February 2024
Date of decision: 7 March 2012
This commissioning decision was adopted by Northern, Eastern and Western
Devon CCG and South Devon and Torbay CCG on 1 April 2013, having been
originally agreed by the previous commissioning organisations (NHS Devon,
NHS Plymouth and Torbay Care Trust).
This policy has been adopted from Northern, Eastern and Western Devon CCG
and South Devon and Torbay CCG by NHS Devon from 1 April 2019