Textured Implants Removed with Simultaneous Mastopexy, Raleigh, North Carolina*

This 53-year-old woman had saline breast implants placed 10 years ago. She has developed some breast drooping and some enlargement of her breasts with aging and no longer desired to be so large. She was not having any significant medical problems related to her implants. She underwent simultaneous explantation of her breast implants with mastopexy. Her breast implants were found to be McGhan shaped ( or teardrop) textured 320 cc implants. They were both intact and did have capsule present although not thickened. There was no evidence of A L C L clinically. Allergan( formally McGhan) textured implants have been recalled by the company because of an increased risk of development of a type of lymphoma called ALCL. (Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma) Although rare, it is found to be primarily present in textured implants and symptoms usually involve sudden swelling and fluid collection around a breast implant.Usually occurring 8 years or more after implantation. This patient did not have this problem. She was much happier with her smaller lifted breast appearance. Simultaneous removal of breast implants with capsulectomy and mastopexy is a more challenging procedure then standard breast lift as the blood supply to the nipple has been interrupted during prior surgery. Safe performance of this procedure can be undertaken in many cases, however it is recommended that patients seek treatment with an experienced board certified plastic .surgeon