Notes on the textured implant recall
In late July, Allergan began the process of recalling Biocell Textured Implants from the market. They are recalling implants that have not been placed; the FDA does not recommend removing implants from patients who are not experiencing symptoms of Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). It is estimated that only 1 in 2,207 patients (0.04%) with the recalled Biocell Textured Implants will develop BIA-ALCL in their lifetime.
ALCL is a type non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, a cancer of immune cells. BIA-ALCL is newly designated type of the disease that forms in the scar tissue surrounding the implant. So far, BIA-ALCL has only been detected in patients who have or have had textured breast implants. To date, no one with SMOOTH breast implants has developed BIA-ALCL. The disease itself is considered very treatable, with patients being cured by simply removing the implants and surrounding scar tissue. Currently, 93% of BIA-ALCL patients are disease free at 3 years.
BIA-ALCL in Perspective
- 1 in 3 Americans will develop a form of cancer in their lifetime.
- 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
- 573 cases of BIA-ALCL have been confirmed out an estimated 35 million patients with textured implants, or 1 in 61,082.
The Geldner Center has reached out to our patients who had/have the recalled implants. If you’d like to know the type of implant you have, we encourage you to contact us. If you’d like to know more about BIA-ALCL and the symptoms, please visit the FDA or the ASPS website for the most up to date information.