Here’s why textured breast implants have been making headline news and the FDA’s recent request for textured implant recall.
What you should know:
Gawley Plastic Surgery is fortunate in that Dr. Mahabir is the Vice Chair of the ASPS Committee that reviews every case of BIA-ALCL in the world.
The FDA asked Allergan to voluntarily recall the BIOCELL textured implants, which they did.
The FDA Does Not Recommend Removal or replacement of textured breast implants in patients that have no symptoms.
BIA-ALCL
What is it:
BIA-ALCL stands for Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. This is an uncommon and highly treatable type of lymphoma that can develop around Textured implants:
- Typically, 8-9 years after surgery
- In both saline & silicone Textured Implants
- NO cases have been reported with Smooth Implants
Why it made the news:
- Textured implants have been recalled / banned in 41 countries
- Allergan Textured implant just recalled / banned in the US
- Over 600 cases and over 30 deaths are now reported
Symptoms:
- Breast enlargement – typically double the size. This is the most common symptom (80% of patients with BIA-ALCL exhibit this symptom)
- Lump in the breast area and or armpit
- Fluid Collection
- If a patient is asymptomatic (no symptoms), it is very unlikely they have BIA-ALCL
Treatment:
- Schedule a consultation
- A physical exam will be performed
- If needed, an Ultrasound and / or MRI will be ordered
- En Bloc total capsulectomy (where both the implant and the capsule / scar tissue around the breast implant are removed in one piece.) The term “en bloc” is key. The entire capsule must be removed and both Dr. Gawley and Dr. Mahabir specialize in this type of surgery
Are you concerned about your implants or know someone who is?
Do you have smooth or textured implants?
- If you have smooth implants– there has never been a case of BIA-ALCL with smooth implants. However, if you are having symptoms or concerns, we would be happy to schedule an appointment for you with Dr. Gawley or Dr. Mahabir.
- If you have textured implants – do you know the manufacturer / company that made your implants?
- Mentor textured implants have not been recalled and have a much lower rate of this malignancy – roughly 1 in 30,000. That said, if you would like to come in and discuss this with us, we would be happy to schedule an appointment.
- Allergan textured implants have been recalled as they have an unacceptably high rate of BIA-ALCL. While the FDA is not recommending removal at this time, even if you are not having symptoms, both Dr. Gawley and Dr. Mahabir recommend that you remove the implants to minimize your risk in the future. Both Dr. Gawley & Dr. Mahabir are experts in “en bloc” (pronounced “on block”) resection and implant replacement as well as other breast surgeries that may be needed. They would be more than happy to have you come in and address any concerns you may have.
- If you have textured implants and do not know the manufacturer:
- All textured implants have some risk of this malignancy. While the FDA is not recommending removal at this time, even if you are not having symptoms, both Dr. Gawley and Dr. Mahabir recommend that you remove the implants to minimize your risk in the future. Both Dr. Gawley & Dr. Mahabir are experts in “en bloc” (pronounced “on block”) resection and implant replacement as well as other breast surgeries that may be needed. They would be more than happy to have you come in and address any concerns you may have.
If you don’t know what kind of implants you have:
- You can call either Mentor or Allergan with your exact surgical date and they can try and assist in finding you in their implant database.
- If you cannot find out what type of implant you have, we cannot tell you whether or not you are at risk. If you are having symptoms or concerns, we would be happy to schedule an appointment for you with one of our surgeons.