Recalled Implants Removed with Capsulectomy and Implant Exchange, Raleigh, NC*

On July 24, 2019, the Allergan Company announced the recall of their Biocell textured breast implants and tissue expanders. The FDA recommended the recall. This was because of their association with a rare type of cancer called anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) which was linked to textured breast implants. This 65-year-old woman had textured implants placed in 1991 and right-sided breast swelling 32 years later. She sought treatment with Dr. Lyle. Once it was determined that she had the recalled implants, he performed an aspiration of fluid and testing to rule out ALCL. Fortunately, she did not have ALCL. She underwent a complete capsulectomy of both breast implants with the finding of persistent bloody fluid. The capsules did not harbor ALCL. Reconstruction of this was done with the use of xenograft mesh (made of pigskin) also known as Strattice. She had placement of smooth walled silicone gel breast implants. Use of this mesh (or similar meshes) is frequently recommended to reduce the risk of future capsular contracture. She had a significant improvement and was very happy with her result. Textured implants were designed to reduce capsular contracture and keep the implants in better position, but this particular type of implant sometimes results in late fluid collections as the Velcro-like adherence of the shell of the implant to the soft tissues can be disrupted and cause a double capsule and bleeding around the implant.