Many women have different types of breast implants. Most of them are used in both breast augmentation surgery (they increase the breast size) and in breast reconstruction (the procedure where breast tissues that have been removed due to cancer or trauma, or have not fully developed, are replaced). Breast implants could also be used in revision surgery (correcting or improving the previously added implant).
A company named Allergan was asked to recall their BioCell textured breast implants by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Allergan’s implants were found to be linked to a rare type of lymphoma – the BIA-ALCL (breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma).
The Products That Were Recalled Include:
- Natrelle Saline-Filled breast implants
- Natrelle Silicone-Filled breast implants
- Natrelle Inspira Silicone-Filled breast implants
- Natrelle 410 Highly Cohesive Anatomically Shaped Silicone-Filled breast implants
Some Tissue Expanders Were Also Included In The Recall. They Are:
- Natrelle 133 Plus Tissue Expander
- Natrelle 133 Tissue Expander With Suture Tabs
The Consequences
After the Allergan Textured Breast Implant Recall, many women underwent removal surgeries. However, the FDA clearly stated that the removal surgeries were not worth the risk unless a woman previously experienced any of the symptoms, which include:
- Lumps
- Pain
- Swelling
- Asymmetry (breast not looking alike)
Generally speaking, not all women with the previously-mentioned implants should panic. Yes, the implants have been linked to a certain type of lymphoma, but that does not mean that every woman with the implant will face the same fate.
However, the FDA’s reaction had to be immediate, to prevent any future women from experiencing potential problems as a result of the implant.
If you are looking to sue the company for selling you an implant, which was later recalled, you have the right to do so. Simply consult with an attorney and explain the situation you are in. The attorney will carefully evaluate your case and let you know whether or not you are eligible to file a lawsuit.
Do You Have a Recalled Implant?
In case you have the recalled implant, you could face potential problems. However, as stated before, you are not required to remove them unless you really desire to do so. Simply continue your routine medical care and follow-up. Talk with your health care team about potential dangers and side-effects, and see what is best for your health. As long as everything is under control, you do not need to worry about the implants. But at the first sight of any of the above-mentioned symptoms, you should immediately seek medical attention and have the implant surgically removed.
Always consult with your medical provider about the benefits and risks of textured-surface and smooth-surface implants. The Allergan Textured Breast Implant Recall is an event that changed the lives of many women and prevents those who wanted an implant from getting one. Only time will tell how good of a decision that was.
And if you wanted to get breast implants, perhaps this event will force you to reconsider.
COMMENTS