Australia has proposed banning 25 models of breast implants due to the association between textured breast implants and large-cell lymphoma.

Australia Proposes Breast Implant Suspension and Ban

Under the proposed ban, many types of textured breast implants would be banned after the release of information last November that thousands of women developed a specific form of cancer following their breast implant surgeries. These women were diagnosed with breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).

The proposed ban would include 9 models of breast implants produced by Allergan, a global manufacturer of implants. In the U.S., Allergan recently recalled its Biocell textured implants upon request by the FDA.

If the Australian government approves the ban, the company will no longer be able to import, manufacture, or export these implants in Australia. The company will also be required to recall of the remaining affected breast implants from the Australian market.

In addition to the ban, Australia is also considering suspending another 16 models of textured implants made by several other companies. If the suspension is approved, these models would be removed from the market until proper research can be conducted into the safety of these implants.

After a review of the models is completed, they would either be banned, or allowed to return to the market. Altogether, the proposed ban and suspension would remove approximately 45 percent of the breast implants from Australia’s market.

According to The Guardian, Australia’s health minister, Greg Hunt, stated that the government supports the proposed ban and suspension. France and Canada have already instituted their own bans on some types of textured breast implants in April 2019.

Breast Implants and Large-Cell Lymphoma

While many varieties of breast implants may increase the risk of BIA-ALCL, evidence shows that rough or textured breast implants are more likely to cause the condition. These textured implants have a surface that is pitted and rough, similar to the texture of sandpaper.

The texture is meant to stimulate the growth of scar tissue to surround the implant and hold it in place in the chest. It is within this capsule of scar tissue surrounding the implant that BIA-ALCL develops. While traditional breast cancer affects the breast tissue, BIA-ALCL develops in the scar tissue, and is often contained to that area.

In some cases, simply removing the implant and scar tissue capsule is enough to remove the cancer. However, in other cases, the cancer may spread and require further treatment. At least 457 women in the United States have been diagnosed with this condition, and 9 women have died due to the disease.

In addition to BIA-ALCL, women have also reported developing a variety of other side effects following their breast implant surgery. These additional side effects include:

• Arthritis
• Connective tissue disease
• Fibromyalgia
• Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
• Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

If you were implanted with rough or textured breast implants and have been diagnosed with BIA-ALCL or another illness that you believe was caused by your implants, you may qualify to hire a medical malpractice attorney and file a class action lawsuit.

Victims who file lawsuits regarding breast implants and large-cell lymphoma may be able to collect damages for injuries, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and loss of income, as well as other damages.

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