You may have read or heard in the news that the breast implant manufacturer Allergan has recalled its textured breast implants, here in the U.S. and around the world. A July 2019 statement from the FDA explains the recall:
To protect individuals from the increased risk of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), associated with Allergan BIOCELL textured breast implants, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested that Allergan recall its BIOCELL textured breast implants and tissue expanders. Allergan agreed and is removing these products from the global market.
(FYI: BIA-ALCL is not breast cancer. It is a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which is cancer of the immune system.)
Do you have breast implants? If they’re not textured, you’re probably okay.
Fortunately, the majority of women with breast implants do not need to worry about the safety of their implants. Only Allergan BIOCELL textured breast implants are being recalled, not saline, silicone, or gummy (silicone-filled) implants. The potential problem caused by this type of implant has to do with the BIOCELL textured surface (shell), which is a unique surface used only by Allergan. Other types of breast implants have a smooth covering.
To my current and future patients, I want to clearly state that I only use smooth breast implants in my practice, not textured
To reassure all of my patients who have breast implants or are considering getting breast implants, I want to state very clearly:
I only use smooth implants, not textured ones. Therefore, none of my patients have to worry about the Allergan BIOCELL recall. However, if any of my patients have friends or family members who do have textured implants, such as the tear drop variety, I am happy to meet with them to advise them on what they should do going forward.
I offer three types of breast implants, all of them safe
- Silicone breast implants—filled with silicone gel.
- Saline breast implants—filled with saline (sterile saltwater).
- Natrelle® gummy breast implants—filled with silicone gel. Choose from five profiles (low to extra full), four degrees of fullness (minimal to maximum) and three levels of cohesivity (gumminess).
Most women—and most plastic surgeons, myself included—prefer the look and feel of silicone implants rather than saline. Silicone implants are generally considered to look and feel more like real breast tissue, while saline implants are more prone to cause rippling of the skin. Women are also reporting high satisfaction rates with the new gummy versions because they can choose the size and shape of their implants for a more customized, unique look.
To learn what the recall might mean for you, watch this short video
To help you better understand this Allergan textured breast implant recall issue, I’ve made a short video explaining the details, which you can watch by clicking on the image below.
If you have breast implants, especially textured ones, you should call your plastic surgeon or come see me for an exam
If you have any type of breast implant — saline, silicone, gummy or textured — it’s important to get them checked for ruptures, slippage, leakage, swelling, the above-mentioned rare cancer or any other potential problems. For my patients with implants, I strongly recommend getting them checked once a year. If you have textured implants which are part of the Allergan recall, you should act even sooner — get them checked right away.
Symptoms of potential problems include:
- Pain
- Lumps
- swelling
- breast asymmetry
If you are experiencing of these symptoms, consult your plastic surgeon right away. However, if there are no symptoms, there is no reason to remove the implants.
When asked if breast implants are safe, my answer is yes
In over 20 years of performing breast implant surgery in my plastic surgery practice, I have encountered very few complications. In fact, for many women who want larger breasts, or want the size and shape of their breasts to match, or have had a mastectomy and are seeking breast reconstruction, breast implants are a highly satisfying solution. Also, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, breast implant surgery is the top cosmetic surgery performed in the US today.
5 highly informative blogs explaining the safety of breast implants
So that you can be fully informed on this important subject, I’ve written several blogs explaining the safety of breast implants:
- Are Breast Implants Safe? Yes And Here’s Why
- When Was The Last Time You Had Your Breast Implants Checked?
- Do You Have Textured Breast Implants? Here’s Why You Should Contact Your Surgeon.
- Wondering If Your Breast Implants Are Safe? This Video Explains Why They Are.
- Addressing Recent Reports About The Safety of Textured Breast Implants
Seeing is believing
To see unretouched “before and after” photos of actual patients of mine who have had successful breast implant surgery, please visit the Breast Augmentation page in the Photo Gallery section of my website.
Considering breast implants?
If you are thinking about having breast implant surgery and would like to schedule a free consultation, please contact me and I will send you additional information prior to your appointment. During our consultation, I will assess the current appearance of your breasts, your reasons for wanting surgery, and your expectations. Then together, we will decide which breast procedure will bring you the results you’re looking for. I specialize in the most advanced techniques of breast augmentation surgery and am ready to help you achieve your goals.
Learn more about the many breast procedures I offer
You can find a good deal of information on my website about the many breast procedures available to you:
- Breast Procedures
- Breast Augmentation
- Breast Lift
- Breast Reconstruction
- Breast Reduction
- Breast Revision
Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), Samuel J. Beran, MD is a highly accomplished plastic surgeon with offices in Manhattan, Harrison and Mount Kisco, NY. With more than 20 years’ experience and a thorough command of the most advanced techniques and technologies, Dr. Beran consistently provides his patients with the highest level of plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast, face, skin and body. Recently, Dr. Beran was named a “Top Doctor” by RealSelf for his dedication to responding to consumer questions and patient feedback. The “Top Doctor” designation is awarded to less than 10% of the RealSelf physician community.
