We do lots of aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery at Artisan Plastic Surgery. Recent news items have featured an association between certain breast implants and a very rare type of cancer, and our patients have started to reach out to us with their concerns. We want to pass on the most up-to-date and thorough information we have to you and our patients.
Breast implant–associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma or BIA-ALCL is a very rare tumor that appears to be associated with certain types of breast implants. While data is incomplete,
As of February 1, 2017, there have been 359 case reports of breast-implant-associated ALCL, including 9 deaths. Just for comparison, in 2016, over 310,000 patients underwent breast implant surgery in the US alone. Textured implants appear to be affected much more than smooth implants. The majority of affected patients were diagnosed 7-8 years after breast surgery, and the most common symptoms and signs included a late-onset seroma or fluid collection in the breast, and breast asymmetry and swelling.
All of the information to date suggests that women with breast implants have a very low but increased risk of developing ALCL compared to women who do not have breast implants.
Available data shows that most patients who develop BIA-ALCL have an excellent prognosis following surgical removal of the breast implants and the surrounding scar tissue capsule.
We want to encourage our patients to follow their normal routine in medical care and follow-up.
If you notice pain, lumps, swelling, fluid collections or unexpected changes in breast shape, including asymmetry, please contact us for an evaluation.
At Artisan Plastic Surgery, we are absolutely committed to patient safety, health, and good outcomes. Please contact Artisan Plastic Surgery at 404-851-1998 or on our website artisanplasticsurgery.com if you have any questions or concerns.