Textured breast implants have become popular in recent years, but so too have the number of complaints from people who have begun to experience unexplained side effects.

Many of the complaints over breast implants have to do with a certain kind of implant that has become popular with surgeons. Plenty of women who got these textured implants might not even know that they could be at a heightened risk for cancer.

It is important for anyone contemplating breast enhancement surgery to understand the nature of these implants and the potential risks involved. Breast implant safety is a topic of growing concern around the world and many of the complaints and questions relate to implants that have rough surfaces, also known as textured breast implants.

What Is a Textured Implant?

The outer surface of a textured implant is much like sandpaper. This prevents the implant from moving around in the pocket that is created by the surgeon. The patient’s chest could appear misshapen without the use of these kinds of implants, so surgeons have opted to use these textured implant devices in plenty of breast surgeries.

What Are the Dangers with Breast Implants That Are Textured?

Studies have indicated that those patients who received textured implants face a higher than normal risk of cancer known as breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, also referred to as BIA ALCL. This is a cancer of the immune system, which can be serious. BIA ALCL is not the same as breast cancer.

By February 2019, plastic surgeons identified over 680 cases of BIA ALCL around the world. Most of the patients who have developed this form of cancer received textured implants. However, smooth surface implant cases have also involved at least 24 patients.

How do Textured Breast Implants Cause BIA ALCL?

Medical research indicates that chronic inflammation plays a major role. The textured surface of the implant causes irritation on the inner surfaces of the “pocket” created by the surgeon that holds the implant. This in turn results in the formation of scar tissue around the implant, which holds the device in place. The precise pathology of how this leads to cancer is not altogether clear. However, since lymphoma attacks the immune system, it is believed that the cancer cells develop as a response to the “capsule,” or scar tissue that forms around the implant.

What are the Risks?

Although serious, BIA-ALCL is still a rare condition. According to plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Clemens, who has done extensive research on BIA ALCL, the chances that a woman with a textured breast implant will contract lymphoma as a result of a textured implant ranges from one in 3,800 to as little as one in 30,000.

Is BIA ALCL Curable?

If there is any silver lining here, it is that BIA ALCL is highly treatable; of nearly 700 known cases, only 33 have been fatal. In most cases, removing the implant and the scar tissue is enough, provided the disease is diagnosed early; other patients have had to undergo more aggressive treatments, such as chemo and radiation therapy.

The FDA sent a letter of warning to all health care providers, but does not recommend that implants be removed unless the patient is experiencing symptoms. This said, it should be noted that while symptoms can appear soon after breast augmentation surgery, it can sometimes be years or even decades before signs of BIA-ALCL become apparent.

Why Are Textured Implants Coming Under Fire Now?

BIA ALCL was originally recognized in 2011 when the first report came out from the FDA on this disease. However, no action was taken by the agency until late 2018, when in-depth investigations revealed the potential problems with textured implants.

Some regulators around the world have restricted certain types of textured breast implants or have pulled the certification due to concerns over breast implant safety. It is not fully understood why these types of implants pose a significant cancer risk for patients.

What Is Being Investigated Currently?

Currently, the US Food and Drug Administration is investigating breast implants after growing concerns over cancer risks and other health related problems according to CBS News. Officials are currently hearing from plastic surgeons, medical researchers, creators of implants, and women who have claimed they suffered.

Does the Implant Fill Material Make A Difference?

Studies of women who received these textured breast implants and then developed cancer also led to further questions about whether or not the material inside has an impact.

The FDA found that among 312 BIA ALCL cases, 126 of those patients had their implants filled with salt water, whereas 186 were filled with silicone gel – so findings are inconclusive. Any patient who has received textured breast implants could be at risk for developing cancer and should report any unexpected symptoms side effects or changes in medical condition to a doctor immediately.

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This article is not legal advice. It is presented
for informational purposes only.

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