What you should know about the Voluntary Breast Implant Recall

A few months ago, breast implant warnings made headlines when the Federal Food & Drug Administration (FDA) notified the public of a rare spectrum disorder known as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). This disorder presents symptoms such as swelling of the breast, breast pain, or a lump in the breast or armpit. BIA-ALCL is not breast cancer but is a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (cancer of the immune system). If caught early, it can be treated easily and completely.

Since the FDA’s news release in the spring, Allergan, a widely-popular pharmaceutical company that manufactures breast implants and tissue expanders has recently issued a voluntary recall of their BIOCELL® textured breast implants and tissue expanders due to the risk of BIA-ALCL. While Dr. B. Aviva Preminger, a top-rated plastic surgeon practicing on the Upper East Side, no longer offers the textured breast implants by Allergan, her patient’s safety and peace of mind are of utmost importance, which is why we wanted to share important information pertaining to this recall. If you are not sure whether you received the Allergan textured implants that are affected by this recall, please contact our office.

According to the FDA, the recall includes:

• 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
• Natrelle 133 Plus Tissue Expander
• Natrelle 133 Tissue Expander with Suture Tabs

Should I be concerned if I have breast implants?

These recommendations only pertain to patients with Allergan BIOCELL® breast implants and tissue expanders. If you have no symptoms, you do not need to take any action, nor do you have to have your implants removed. Furthermore, patients with any other type of breast implants presenting with no symptoms need not have their implants removed because the risk of developing BIA-ALCL is very low. However, symptoms of persistent swelling or pain at the site of the breast implants could signal a problem and should be evaluated by your plastic surgeon as soon as possible. Symptoms of BIA-ALCL may begin between 2-28 years after the initial placement of the implants, with the average being around 8 years when symptoms of BIA-ALCL first appear.

What steps can I take to protect myself?

If you are considering breast implants, discuss any questions or concerns that you have with your Manhattan plastic surgeon. It is important to understand any risks involved and how those risks might affect you. Whether you have breast implants or not, Dr. Preminger emphasizes the importance of self-exams, regular physical exams, and any radiography, such as MRI, mammography, or ultrasound (as recommended by your doctor) to identify potential problems with your breasts. Regardless of the type of breast implants that you have, you should contact Dr. Preminger immediately if you experience any changes in size, shape, or feel of your breasts.  

Breast Implants in NYC

Whether you are considering breast implants for the first time, or have concerns regarding previously placed implants, Dr. Preminger welcomes any questions that you may have regarding breast implant safety or pertaining to the Allergan recall. If you would like to learn more or to schedule a consultation, please call our office at (212) 706-1900. Dr. Preminger’s boutique practice is located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City.