Due to the rising number of reports of breast implant illness, textured breast implants have been recalled in Canada despite their continued use in the United States. Allergan Canada voluntarily recalled textured breast implants after Health Canada suspended the company’s textured implant license.

While many other countries have also banned textured implants, the United States has not done so, per the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Although the Canadian recall will remove these implants from the market for those undergoing breast implant surgery in coming years, it raises questions for patients who have already received them.

It’s recommended that patients with textured breast implants speak with their medical professional about next steps.

FDA’s Stand on Textured Breast Implants

Studies have connected textured breast implants to a rare form of cancer that can develop in the scar tissue around the breast, known as breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, or BIA-ALCL. Despite these study results, the FDA  announced in the spring of 2019 that it would not ban implants.

The FDA held a two-day hearing to discuss the potential long-term issues associated with textured breast implants. As of Sept. 30, 2018, the FDA had received reports of 660 cases of BIA-ALCL, all of which were linked  to textured breast implants.

“The lifetime risk of developing BIA-ALCL, from epidemiological studies and implant sales data from the U.S., Canada, Netherlands and Australia, ranges from 1:1,000 to 1:30,000 with textured implants,” according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

“There appears to be some variability in risk depending on the type of implant texturing, with Allergan Biocell and polyurethane brands having disproportionately higher risks.”

Since so much is unknown about the dangers of textured breast implants, there are many questions from women who have them.

Use of Textured Implants

Surgeons have a choice between using textured or smooth implants. Textured implants had become a popular choice of surgeons because they can adhere to surrounding tissue, making them less likely to move around in the implant pocket.

Smooth implants, however, settle faster in the body and tend to create a more natural look and have not been associated with a higher risk of BIA-ALCL.

Currently, the FDA maintains that breast implants are safe devices despite other countries banning them due to the connection to cancer.

Symptoms of BIA-ALCL

Some of the most common symptoms presented by patients with BIA-ALCL include a hardening or swelling of the breast due to fluid collection, and a discreet lump or mass in the armpit or breast.

These symptoms are often written off because they are similar to other conditions and might not lead the patient to get necessary medical care. BIA-ALCL is a a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Around the world, some 700 women are diagnosed with this cancer each year, according to Fox News.

Women who experience unexplained symptoms after an implant surgery should report it to their physician immediately.

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