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breast implant complications

Textured Breast Implants & Lymphoma: What You Need to Know

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Textured Breast Implants & Lymphoma What You Need to KnowThere has been some recent news about the connection between breast implants, specifically textured breast implants, and developing lymphoma. Any time something as serious as cancer is mentioned, it’s understandable for patients to be concerned. As a board-certified plastic surgeon for over 30 years, I have always felt that making prospective patients feel as informed as possible about cosmetic surgery and the potential risks of their respective procedure is an essential part of my duties. That’s why I wanted to take some time to set the record straight on this particular subject.

In 2011, officials from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned that there was a possible connection between textured breast implants and a rare form of cancer known as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). FDA statistics indicated that of the millions of patients that have undergone breast augmentation surgery since the discovery of BIA-ALCL in 2011, at least 457 people have developed the disease and nine have died.

However, a joint statement released by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) indicates that this worry may have been premature. A recent update from the FDA (in association with the World Health Organization) states that since BI-ALCL is a lymphoma, a cancer of immune cells, it is not a breast cancer or a cancer of the breast tissue. The overall takeaway from the FDA was that women with breast implants should not fear their implants impairing their health or causing breast cancer.

It’s important to remember that this news, and having breast implants in general, is not an excuse for women to forego their normal breast cancer precautions including annual screening appointments and regular self-exams. Be aware of any abnormal happenings in the breast area including swelling, irregular growths, fluid collection, or unexpected changes in breast shape and contact your plastic surgeon if you experience anything out of the ordinary.

Knowledge is a powerful tool for any prospective cosmetic surgery patient when it comes to having the best-possible plastic surgery experience. Hopefully reading this helped ease any potential concerns about this issue and reinforced the fact that when performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, breast augmentation is still a very safe procedure. For more information on this topic or to schedule a plastic surgery consultation today, contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott, at Atlanta Plastic Surgery. And follow me on Facebook and Twitter for even more breast cancer news, tips, and videos.

How Long Will My Breast Implants Last?

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For women who are contemplating breast enhancement, there is a lot to know before undergoing surgery. A breast augmentation procedure provides patients with many options to choose from including the size, shape, look, feel, and texture of their new breast implants. And while having the freedom to choose is nice, it requires a considerable amount of time and consideration. One of the most common questions I receive from patients during a breast augmentation consultation is how long their breast implants will last. The answer is a complicated one that depends on several factors.

Regardless of which type or size of breast implant you ultimately select, implants are very durable, safe, and mean to be long-lasting. However, it’s important to remember that “long-lasting” isn’t meant to mean “forever”. Through normal everyday activities, the implants may begin to move and shift within the body over time. This often leads to natural wear and tear that can eventually wear down and degrade the implants as the years go on. Natural aging or weight fluctuation can also affect the appearance of the breasts in the years following augmentation surgery. Although breast implant complications are quite rare, the risk of developing certain complications like capsular contracture or implant rippling do slightly increase every year after your breast augmentation surgery.

For patients who have issues with their breast implants or simply wish to have their current implants replaced or removed, I perform breast revision surgery. Breast revision surgery can help those patients who experience complications like capsular contracture or those who simply prefer a change in breast size following their breast augmentation. For more information on breast implants and how long you can expect them to last, check out the video below:

It’s important for breast augmentation patients to schedule follow-up appointments with their board-certified plastic surgeon to ensure their implants are maintaining their peak condition and appearance. If you feel you may be experiencing an implant-related complication, it’s important to consult with your surgeon in a timely manner. For more information on breast implants or if you would like to schedule a plastic surgery consultation, please contact me, Dr. Franklyn Elliott. And follow me on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for even more plastic surgery videos, tips, news, and more.