Allergan breast implant recall
Allergan, the manufacturer of several brands of breast implants, has voluntarily recalled all of its BIOCELL textured breast implants and tissue expanders, due to an increased risk of BIA-ALCL, or breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma. A rare form of cancer, BIA-ALCL does not develop in the breast tissue itself but is a cancer of the immune system that forms in the scar tissue surrounding the implant.
While the occurrence of the cancer is uncommon, the BIOCELL line of macro-textured implants has been found to increase the risk of developing BIA-ALCL. The FDA does not advise women who have no symptoms to have the implants removed, but encourages them to be aware of the symptoms, which include persistent swelling around the breast or pain near the implant.
The implants recalled include the following:
- Allergan Natrelle textured saline-filled breast implants
- Allergan Natrelle textured silicone-filled textured breast implants
- Natrelle textured tissue expander
- Natrelle highly-cohesive anatomically shaped silicone-filled breast implants
- Natrelle textured tissue expander with suture tabs
If you are alarmed to discover your breast implants were one of the recalled styles, it is understandable. Keep in mind that the development of BIA-ALCL is rare, and is treatable when caught early by removing the implant and the scar tissue.
Macro-textured implants are uncommon in the USA, used in only about five percent of the augmentations. If you are considering replacing your implants due to an excess of caution, we are available to speak with you.