BIA-ALCL update for our patients: we feel it is essential that you be aware of the facts.

“Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is an uncommon and highly treatable type of lymphoma that can develop around breast implants.  BIA-ALCL occurs most frequently in patients who have breast implants with textured surfaces.  The current lifetime risk of BIA-ALCL is estimated to be between 1in 3817 to 1 in 30,000 women with textured implants based upon current confirmed cases and textured implant sales data over the past two decades.  Since the initial case report in 1996, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) now recognizes approximately 270 cases in the US and a total of 688 worldwide (as of March 18, 2019).

Most of the patients who have developed BIA-ALCL receive an excellent prognosis following surgical removal of the breast implants and the surrounding scar tissue capsule.  Continued follow-up after any breast implant surgery is suggested and important for patient health, but patients who notice pain, lumps, swelling, fluid collections, or unexpected changes in breast shape, including asymmetry, should contact their plastic surgeon.  In most cases, women diagnosed with BIA-ALCL observed changes in the look or feel of the area surrounding the implant greater than one year after their initial surgical sites were fully healed, and on average eight to ten years after receiving textured implants.”  (www.plasticsurgery.org/alcl)

On July 24, 2019, Allergan (an implant manufacturer) removed all of their textured breast implants from the market.  The US FDA is asking that all patients monitor their breasts for symptoms (breast pain and/or swelling), but is not recommending removal of the recalled implants for women who do not have symptoms.

We continue to ask all of our surgical patients to follow up every 1-2 years for routine checkups at The Waldorf Center.  If you notice any changes in your breasts, you should call our office to be seen sooner.  We are happy to discuss any questions you may have, either over-the-phone or in person.  Feel free to contact us any time at 503-646-0101 or contactus@waldorfcenter.com.