Amanda Antell  |  May 11, 2019

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Textured Breast Implants Overview

Textured breast implants are designed to minimize their own movement after implantation, increasing the likelihood that they’ll stay in their proper position. They work by using a rough outer surface that adheres to the scar tissue that grows around the implant.

These implants are one of several options patients considering breast augmentation can investigate, but they should also be aware of the potential side effects each product.

Complications of Textured Breast Implants: BIA-ALCL

Textured breast implants have been recently linked with serious illnesses including Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). BIA-ALCL is a form of lymphoma that is different from what’s commonly referred to as breast cancer, according to the FDA.

After enough time passes, a fibrous scar called a capsule develops around the implant and separates it from the rest of the breast. According to reported cases of BIA-ALCL, the lymphoma cells were found within the fibrous capsule. The FDA points out that this disease have been reported in patients with textured breast implants.

At this point, the exact cause of BIA-ALCL is not known but some plastic surgeons believe it stems from a bacterial infection in the area of the breast implants. They further believe that the greater surface area and the nature of the textured implant surface itself may provide bacteria more openings compared to a smoother surfaced implant.

According to the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, some medical experts have recommended classifying textured implants on a scale from one to four, with the higher numbers indicating greater surface area and roughness, which could require a higher likelihood of BIA-ALCL.

According to one study from Australia and New Zealand, Silimed polyurethane textured implant increases the likelihood of ALCL by 23 times. The French government has already called for some kind of classification to be applied to textured breast implants throughout Europe.

The alleged correlation between textured breast implants and BIA-ALCL was first announced in 2011 when the FDA issued a safety announcement after reviewing incident reports. The FDA stated at least 457 women had been diagnosed with BIA-ALCL in the United States, with nine women reportedly dying from the disease. The FDA issued an update to this warning in February 2019.

The FDA is currently working with the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to evaluate this risk. Some medical experts estimate that one in 3,817 patients will develop BIA-ALCL, with others estimating the only one in 30,000 women may develop breast implant cancer. The FDA issued this warning for all breast implants, with the agency stating the majority have been from patients who opted for textured breast implants.

France became the first country to ban certain textured breast implants in April 2018, due to a risk of lymphoma. While the FDA is aware of France’s decision to ban certain textured breast implants, it has so far declined to take textured breast implants off the U.S. market. The FDA has also issued new recommendations to healthcare providers to consider the risk of possible BIA-ALCL when treating patients with potential symptoms.

“We want all healthcare providers to be aware of BIA-ALCL, particularly in patients with new swelling, lumps, or pain around breast implants, to expedite diagnosis of this malignancy,” the FDA stated.

2 thoughts onTextured Breast Implants

  1. Aleea says:

    I had silimed textured implants that ruptured and I had to get them removed and am curious to know if there are any class actions

    1. Kate says:

      I also did. Have you heard anything ?

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