Textured breast implants like those recalled by Allergan are still considered safe medical devices and the FDA has emphasized that if you have textured implants, you do not need to have them removed in the absence of symptoms of implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (late swelling or a palpable nodule). The risk for BIA-ALCL is low, and women should be alert for symptoms but should not be afraid.
Allergan textured implants have a 6 times higher risk of developing Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. Mentor and Siltex texturing is different and runs a very small risk of this problem.
We are also receiving calls about implant associated health issues. We went through this same issue in the early 1990's and the FDA after a very intense clinical study of over 50,0000 patients came to the conclusion that breast implants are as safe as any medical device and there is not an increased risk of health problems such as auto-immune disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, etc. in patients that have breast implants.
My advice to patients - if you think your implants are causing health issues, take them out. If it makes you feel better after removal, that is great.
There is too much hysteria and inaccurate information (especially on these internet web sites) about this problem - I saw a news report recently with a patient testimonial - she was having all sorts of health problems and after taking her implants out, she felt better the next day. Really??? If the patient had a true disease related to her breast implants, this is not going to reverse itself 24 hours after taking the breast implants out.
Stay Calm, Don't Panic
