Understanding the Allergan Textured Implants Recall
August 28, 2019
08/07/2019
On July 24th, Allergan issued a voluntary recall of its BIOCELL® textured breast implants. This recall follows growing concern over the link between textured implants and breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a rare but deadly form of cancer. The recall is for breast implants that have not been placed, but women who currently have textured breast implants should understand their options as well.
What Should I Do if I Have Textured Breast Implants?
If you currently have textured breast implants and you are concerned about BIA-ALCL, call Body by Ravi Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics at 281-242-1061 to schedule a consultation. Dr. Ravi will provide you with honest information about your risks and your options, and help you choose the best solution for your needs.
There is no need for the immediate removal of your breast implants, even if you have one of the models impacted by the recall. However, Dr. Ravi welcomes an opportunity to answer your questions to help assuage your fears and provide you with the information you need to make the right decision for your body.
Allergan Will Pay for Your New Implants
If your breast implants are affected by this recall you have the option of having them removed and replaced with a safer option. In these instances, Allergan will cover the cost of your new implants.
It is important to remember that Allergan will only pay for the implants themselves – not the full cost of your breast implant revision surgery, which will include surgical fees and related costs. However, revision surgery does give you an opportunity to address other changes you may want as well, such as the improvement of size, shape, and projection.
During your consultation with Dr. Ravi, all of these things can be discussed in greater detail to help ensure you feel comfortable, safe, and happy with your final decision.
What is BIA-ALCL?
Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma is a form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that typically forms around a breast implant in the fibrous scar tissue found in the placement pocket. It is not a form of breast cancer.
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system that originates in the lymphatic system. BIA-ALCL is a slow-growing type of this disorder that may develop over the course of several years. The risk of developing BIA-ALCL is low and, when detected early, this form of cancer is highly treatable but, as with all forms of cancer, prompt detection is essential for effective treatment.
Symptoms of BIA-ALCL
The primary symptoms of BIA-ALCL are swelling or pain around a breast implant that does not go away. These symptoms can occur after the incision has healed – even several years later – and should be brought to the immediate attention of a healthcare provider.
Persistent swelling in the lymph nodes, even when not accompanied by swelling or pain around an implant, should also be brought to the attention of your healthcare provider.
What Are My Risks of Developing BIA-ALCL?
The development of BIA-ALCL is linked to textured breast implants and the risk of developing the disorder is low. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, there are approximately 300,000 breast augmentation surgeries performed in the United States every year. Of these, only 12% are done with textured implants.
Risks seem to be related not only to the type of implant, but to specific models, with Allergan BIOCELL® implants being linked to disproportionately higher rates of BIA-ALCL.
Depending on the model of implant, risks for women who have undergone augmentation with textured breast implants have a 1:1,000 to 1:30,000 risk of developing BIA-ALCL. You can better understand your risks by contacting the surgeon who placed your implants to determine which model is currently enhancing the size of your breasts.
Contact Body by Ravi to Learn More
If you are concerned about the risk of developing BIA-ALCL, call Body by Ravi Plastic Surgery and Aesthetics at 281-242-1061 to schedule a consultation today. Dr. Ravi is a board-certified plastic surgeon with many years of experience and is here to provide you with honest and actionable information to help you make the best decision for your health and happiness.
Located in Houston, Dr. Ravi welcomes patients from all surrounding areas, including The Woodlands, Conroe, Katy, and Sugar Land, and is here to help even if he did not perform your original breast augmentation procedure. Call today to learn more.
