Breast Implant Illness and Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma
Posted April 24, 2019
Breast Implant Illness is a hot topic right now in the aesthetic community.
There has been discussion about an illness associated with breast implants that cause systemic symptoms such as fatigue, hair loss, headaches, neurologic symptoms, and hormonal issues. These patients feel as though their symptoms are directly related to their implants, both saline and silicone. To date, there has been no laboratory data or scientific data to support these claims. Prior to being re-released in October 2006, silicone implants underwent 44 independent studies which resulted in proving there was no link between auto-immune disease and the medical grade silicone used in breast implants. Studies continue in an effort to further explain these symptoms and determine their cause. Breast Implant Illness has no association with breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma.
The FDA held a hearing in March to discuss their findings with regards to breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, otherwise known as BIA-ALCL. The findings with patients worldwide are less than 600 cases in the past 12 years. This lymphoma has been associated with textured implants but has not been found with the smooth-shelled implants. The findings for the lymphoma are swelling or fluid collection around the breasts or a lump in the breast or armpit many years after implant surgery. On average, the symptoms occurred more than 8 years after the original surgery procedure was done.
Anyone with textured implants that has these findings should contact a board-certified plastic surgeon for evaluation. Treatment is for removal of both implants as well as the capsules surrounding the implants. A woman can choose to have smooth implants placed at that time if she desires. In most cases, this surgery alone is curative, and the patient requires no additional treatment if found in the early stages of the disease. If the disease is found at a later stage, then chemotherapy and radiation may be necessary for treatment.
Any woman having these symptoms should be assessed by their primary care physician as well as a board- certified plastic surgeon to evaluate their concerns.
Do you have questions for Dr. Antimarino or feel you would like an assessment? Contact our office at (844) 496-6647 or through our online form.
