Should I Remove My Textured Breast Implants?
Posted September 05, 2019 in Breast Implant
With the recent recall on Allergan™ textured implants, many patients may feel lost or confused about what to do about their breast implants.
Should you get your breast implants removed? Replaced? Should you leave them in?
We have created a comprehensive guide to the recent Allergan™ news to help you figure out if your breast implants need to be removed and what to expect during a revision procedure.
Two textured silicone implants.
What Did the Food and Drug Administration Find?
The recall on Allergan™ textured breast implants was due to a rare link between Allergan™ textured implants and a cancer known as “Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma ” (BIA-ALCL).
It is important to know that BIA-ALCL is a cancer of the immune system not a type of breast cancer.
BIA-ALCL is found in the scar tissue around the implants. While it is a serious concern to be wary of, it is still considered a rare occurrence.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the current lifetime risk of BIA-ALCL for a woman with textured implants is estimated to be between 1:2,207 and 1:86,029.
It is also important to know that only Allergan™ textured breast implants were included in this recall.
How Do I Know if I Have Breast Cancer?
Typically, any unusual symptoms are a sign that you should get checked out. BIA-ALCL usually doesn’t form until at least a year after the implants were placed, but every situation is different.
Some of the side effects that should be followed up with a visit to your surgeon can include:
- Pain, swelling, or fluid accumulation around the breasts
- A lump or bump found on the breasts
- Skin rashes
- Hardening of the breasts
- Breast asymmetry or abnormal growths
Talk With Your Surgeon
BIA-ALCL should only be diagnosed by a medical professional, so if you feel that you are experiencing any of the above-listed symptoms, you should schedule a consultation to discuss what your options are for resolving them.
FDA regulations have only restricted one breast implant material from one company. If you are not experiencing any unusual symptoms, then you should be fine.
Surgical Options
You can keep your current breast implants, or opt for a surgical procedure to remove your breast implants.
If you wish to exchange your breast implants due to having irregular symptoms or you want a breast revision, Allergan™ is offering free smooth implant replacements for textured implants.
Speak with your surgeon to figure out if this breast implant replacement is covered for you.
If you choose to remove your implants, you can remain natural or select new breast implants.
Some patients who desire breast implant removal without replacement may benefit from a breast lift to raise the breasts on the chest for a more flattering appearance.
Breast Augmentation with Lift.
A personal consultation is required to determine which option is best for every patient.
Dr. Todd B. Koch
Dr. Todd B. Koch is happy to schedule a consultation with you in his Williamsville, NY, office if you are concerned about your current textured breast implants. You can contact us here or by calling (716) 631-1220 to request a meeting.