Recalled Breast Implants- Are Yours Recalled? Learn More

Textured breast implants have been used for many decades.  They were designed to reduce excessive scar tissue around breast implants as well as hold the implant in position.  They were commonly used in shaped and round implants and by nearly all manufacturers.  Each company's texturing is different however and there has been a rare  association with a type of lymphoma called Breast  Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma ( BIA- ALCL. ).

This association was noted back in 2011 but it was not until 2019 that one specific type of textured implant was recalled.  This was the Allergan Biocell textured device.  Of the over 1000 cases  of BIA-ALCL that were reported as of 2022, 85%  occurred with the Allergan type.  Although there have been a few cases of other manufacturers, textured implants with in association with this disease, the majority are Allergan and that was the only company that voluntarily withdrew their implants. The company continues to make a smooth breast implants which are not felt to be high risk and are considered very safe.

If you want to know if your  implant is recalled, you should contact your original plastic surgeon's office.  Many patients still have their implant information as it is recommended to provide the patient with the implant identification card..  There are many Allergan implant brand or models associated with textured including style 163, 168, 110'115,120, 363, 468 as well as style 410. Also any Natrelle  device with a  "T " designation . A complete list is available on the FDA's website or Allegan's website

Although the risk of ALCL is very low, it is up to 1 in  2200 patients with Allergan implants and typically occurs at about 8 years postoperatively.  The disease is most frequently heralded by a late seroma or fluid collection around the breast implant.  Fortunately, survival rates of this disease are very high.  Treatment includes complete removal of the implant and the surrounding capsule.  Asymptomatic patients are advised to do frequent monitoring with physical exam and periodic ultrasound and/or MRI.