Important Announcement for Our Patients Who Have Undergone Breast Augmentation or Breast Reconstruction with Silicone Breast Implants
In recent years, it has been established that there is a risk of developing a type of lymphoma within the capsule that naturally forms around silicone breast implants. This disease, known as BREAST IMPLANT-ASSOCIATED ANAPLASTIC LARGE CELL LYMPHOMA (BIA-ALCL), IS NOT A TYPE OF BREAST CANCER; it is a type of cancer originating from lymphocytes and typically appears and typically presents in the vast majority of patients with symptoms such as SWELLING, PAIN, and, RARELY, A LUMPS, HARDNESS, ASYMMETRY, AND REDNESS in the breast, usually on one side. It can be treated by completely removing the implant and the surrounding capsule. In cases of delayed diagnosis or advanced disease, chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy may be necessary. Although it is a treatable disease, it can be fatal if neglected.
Over the past year, health authorities in North America, Europe, and Australia have issued statements on this issue. According to the latest reports, there are 573 patients worldwide, and 33 patients have lost their lives due to this disease. Considering that there are more than 20 million patients with silicone implants worldwide, although this is a very rare disease, it is a health issue that must be taken seriously, and patients who have had silicone implants used for cosmetic purposes or to reconstruct the breast following a mastectomy due to breast cancer must be informed and educated about it.
It is noteworthy that in the vast majority of reported cases worldwide, silicone implants manufactured by Allergan were used. Most recently, the U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has recommended that patients with implants from Allergan bearing the brands listed below be contacted and informed.
DEAR PATIENTS
If you have no symptoms, the risk of developing BIA-ALCL is very low; therefore, REMOVAL OF SILICONE IMPLANTS IS NOT RECOMMENDED. If you have any concerns or questions, please contact your plastic surgeon.
Be aware of the symptoms of BIA-ALCL. IF YOU EXPERIENCE A PERSISTENT SWELLING AND PAIN IN YOUR BREAST THAT APPEARS YEARS AFTER IMPLANT SURGERY, DEVELOPS LATER, AND DOES NOT GO AWAY, YOU MUST CONTACT YOUR PLASTIC SURGEON IMMEDIATELY.
If you experience these symptoms or other signs such as capsular contracture, redness, or asymmetry, you will definitely need an EXAMINATION AND FURTHER BREAST IMAGING TESTS. If fluid has accumulated around the implant, a sample of this fluid must be taken for cytological examination.
If further tests result in a diagnosis of BIA-ALCL, the IMPLANTS, TOGETHER WITH THEIR CAPSULES, MUST BE COMPLETELY REMOVED from both sides, if present.
As with any implant placed in the body, your medical records must include identification cards containing information such as the manufacturer, brand, model, and serial number of your breast implants. If you do not have these, contact your plastic surgeon to find out from your surgical records WHICH BRAND AND MODEL OF IMPLANT WAS USED.
In summary, regarding ALCL—a disease associated with breast implants that has come to the forefront in recent years—here are the key points to keep in mind:
DON’T WORRY OR PANIC.
DON’T NEGLECT YOUR ANNUAL CHECKUPS.
IF YOU NOTICE EVEN THE SLIGHTEST CHANGE IN YOUR BREAST, SEE YOUR PLASTIC SURGEON FOR AN EXAMINATION WITHOUT DELAY.
IF THE IMPLANTS OF THE BRANDS LISTED ABOVE WERE USED IN YOUR SURGERY, PLEASE CONTACT YOUR PLASTIC SURGEON FOR A CHECKUP.
This statement is based on the announcement published by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on July 25, 2019. Best regards.
Turkish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery
What You Need to Know Before Breast Implant Surgery *
Whether you’re considering silicone implant surgery for cosmetic purposes, such as breast augmentation or lift, or to reconstruct a breast following a mastectomy due to breast cancer, there are some important things you should know before making your decision:
BREAST IMPLANTS ARE GENERALLY NOT DEVICES YOU WILL WEAR FOR LIFE. At some point in your life, you may experience hardening, asymmetry, implant rotation, inversion, rupture, breast deformities, rippling, breast swelling, the formation of a mass in the breast tissue or inside the capsule, infection, or changes in the breast due to natural causes such as pregnancy, weight gain or loss, or aging—you may need to have them removed or replaced
The longer an implant remains in your body, the greater the likelihood of removal due to the reasons listed above.
If you need surgery for the reasons listed above, even in the event of complications, your health insurance may not cover the costs of the surgery and the new implants.
As with any implant placed in the body, your medical records must include identification cards for your breast implants that contain information such as the manufacturer, brand, model, and serial number. BE SURE TO ASK YOUR PLASTIC SURGEON FOR THIS DOCUMENT.
There are various types of breast implants available on the market that differ in terms of composition, shape, and surface texture. Before undergoing surgery, discuss your expectations with your plastic surgeon. Ask about the differences between these implants, as well as the POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS AND RISKS FOLLOWING BREAST IMPLANT SURGERY, and discuss all the details before making a decision.
AS LONG AS BREAST IMPLANTS REMAIN IN YOUR BODY, THEY MUST BE MONITORED THROUGH EXAMINATIONS AND IMAGING METHODS SUCH AS BREAST ULTRASOUND AND BREAST MRI. Please make sure your doctor has taught you how to perform monthly self-exams and has scheduled you for annual checkups. DO NOT NEGLECT YOUR MONTHLY AND ANNUAL CHECKUPS. If any issues are detected, contact your doctor immediately.
In some patients who have undergone breast implant surgery, vague symptoms such as chronic fatigue, joint and muscle pain, and dry eyes may occur. Although there is no definitive evidence that these symptoms are caused by the breast implants, it is sometimes reported that the symptoms improve after the implants are removed.
