There has been news and online information in the past several months about concerns and potential dangers of textured surfaced breast implants. In fact, a company that makes breast implants, Allergan, has recalled all of their textured surfaced breast implants and tissue expanders as of this past July.
What does all this mean?
If you have textured surfaced breast implants, saline or silicone, is there anything you need to do?
Are you worried?
What this is all about is an extremely rare association that has been found between textured surfaced breast implants and the occurrence of BIA-ALCL (breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma). You can read about this particular disease elsewhere, but suffice to say that it is essentially fully treatable if diagnosed early and treated appropriately. Importantly, this same lymphoma has been observed with dental and orthopedic implants.
This disease has been seen in women who have had textured implants from a variety of different manufacturers, but it was discovered that the rate of occurrence was 7 times higher in those who had Allergan’s textured implants under the proprietary name BIOCELL®.
Based on this information, Allergan voluntarily decided to “recall” all their textured implants and tissue expanders. What this meant was that all of Allergan’s manufactured products that had not been implanted were to be immediately pulled from the marketplace and returned to the company.
The implant recall does not imply in any way that women who already have textured implants and are not experiencing any relevant issues should have them removed.
The position of all the major plastic surgery societies (American Society of Plastic Surgeons, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) and the FDA is that the risks, etc. associated with implant removal are far greater than the relatively infinitesimal risk of developing BIA-ALCL.
With this information and the extreme rarity of this disease, there are women who still are anxious or concerned about having these implants in their bodies.
So, Allergan has stepped up to create a BIOCELL® Replacement Warranty for these patients and possibly others. You can obtain the pdf for the warranty directly from this page where it is listed as Dubai Warranty Information. This program will allow you to have your textured surfaced implants replaced with smooth ones, provided to you free of charge by the company. BUT they will not pay anything else related to the exchange of the implants.
But all patients with Allergan breast implants are covered by their Natrelle® ConfidencePlus® Warranty. This warranty provides women with findings or concerns for which BIA-ALCL needs to be tested for financial assistance up to AED 3,670. In the rare case where there is a positive diagnosis, the company provides financial assistance up to AED 27,525 for the breast implant removal and capsulectomies.
For more information about this, speak to your plastic surgeon or visit Allergan’s website.
Breast Implants In Dubai
Breast Implants in Dubai can help patients achieve better breast shape and volume, but anyone who has textured-surface breast implants may be concerned about long-term safety and BIA-ALCL, a rare type of lymphoma linked to specific breast implants. Having textured implants does not imply that you have BIA-ALCL or that you should be alarmed. The most appropriate first step is to determine the specific implant brand, model, surface type, and date of implantation. Patients can contact their original surgeon or healthcare provider to review their implant records, which may include the implant card if available. Regular follow-up appointments are essential because a qualified plastic surgeon can examine the breasts and determine whether further monitoring, replacement, or removal is necessary. In the absence of symptoms, routine removal of textured implants is not recommended for all patients; the decision should be made based on the implant type, personal medical history, preferences, and professional advice. Patients should become aware of changes that require medical attention, such as persistent swelling, a sudden increase in breast size, a new lump, unexplained pain, significant changes in breast shape, or fluid forming around an implant. These symptoms do not always indicate BIA-ALCL, but they should be investigated immediately. If BIA-ALCL is suspected, a specialist may suggest imaging and testing of any fluid or tissue surrounding the implant. Patients should avoid attempting to remove or manipulate an implant themselves and instead seek advice from a qualified specialist. For those considering breast implant replacement, a consultation can help determine whether a smooth implant or another option is best. Instead of relying solely on fear, the decision should be based on individual anatomy, health, aesthetic goals, and surgeon recommendations. Dr. Perfect Celebrity, the Best Plastic Surgeon in Dubai for breast implants, can discuss concerns about textured implants, review available medical information, and develop a personalized plan as needed. Patients should bring their implant records to their consultations whenever possible. Understanding the specific implant involved, as well as receiving professional guidance, can assist patients in making informed decisions about monitoring, treatment, or future breast implant options while maintaining realistic safety and results expectations.
What Are Textured Breast Implants?
Breast implants have an outer shell that can be either smooth or textured. Textured implants were developed for a variety of surgical purposes, including reducing implant movement and, in some cases, ensuring implant positioning.
The surface characteristics of textured implants vary significantly. Not all textured implants share the same design, texture, or risk profile. Therefore, simply knowing that an implant is textured is insufficient to determine an individual’s level of risk.
If you are unsure whether your implants are textured, your surgeon or implant documentation can usually provide the answer.
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Why Has Textured Implants Become A Concern?
The primary concern with certain textured breast implants is BIA-ALCL. BIA-ALCL, despite the name, is not the same as breast cancer. It is a rare lymphoma that affects immune cells and can develop in the capsule or fluid surrounding a breast implant.
According to research, certain textured implant surfaces carry a higher risk than smooth implants. The overall risk remains low, but patients with textured implants should be aware of potential symptoms and maintain appropriate medical follow-up.
Having a textured implant does not guaranty that the patient will develop BIA-ALCL.
First, Find Out Which Implant You Have
One of the most important steps is to identify your specific implant. Patients should try to locate their implant card, surgical records, or any other documentation provided following breast augmentation.
Important details might include:
- Implant manufacturers
- Implant Model
- Implant size.
- Surface type
- Date of Implantation
- Serial or lot information.
If you no longer have your implant documentation, please contact the clinic or surgeon who performed the procedure. In some cases, medical records can provide the required information.
Knowing the exact implant enables a qualified healthcare professional to offer more specific advice.
Should You Get Textured Implants Removed?
Not necessarily. Patients should not assume that all textured breast implants must be removed immediately.
For people who have no symptoms, routine preventive removal is not always recommended simply because an implant has a textured surface. Removal is a surgical procedure with its own set of risks, including bleeding, infection, scarring, changes in breast appearance, and the possibility of additional surgery.
The decision should thus be tailored to the individual. A plastic surgeon can talk about the implant type, personal concerns, medical history, risks, benefits, and available options.
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Best Plastic Surgeon In Dubai For Breast Implants
Best Plastic Surgeon in Dubai for breast implants is available at the Perfect Doctors Clinic, where Dr. Perfect Celebrity can help patients understand their options if they have textured-surface breast implants. Having textured implants does not imply that they must be removed or that a patient has developed BIA-ALCL, a rare implant-associated lymphoma. The first step is to determine the specific implant brand, model, surface type, and date of implantation. Patients should review their implant card and surgical records and consult with a qualified plastic surgeon about their concerns. Regular clinical follow-up can aid in monitoring breast health and detecting changes that may necessitate further investigation. Patients should seek medical attention if they experience persistent or sudden breast swelling, unexplained pain, a new lump, significant changes in breast shape, or fluid surrounding the implant. These symptoms can have a variety of causes and do not necessarily indicate BIA-ALCL, but they should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional. If testing is deemed necessary, the surgeon may suggest imaging and examination of the fluid or tissue surrounding the implant. Preventive removal is not always necessary for patients without symptoms. Instead, the decision should be tailored to the specific implant, medical history, personal concerns, and professional recommendations. If replacement or removal is chosen, the surgeon can explain the available surgical options and whether smooth implants or other alternatives are suitable. Patients should never try to remove or modify an implant themselves. A thorough consultation enables the surgeon to review the patient’s medical records, examine the breasts, explain potential risks and benefits, and recommend the best course of action. At the Perfect Doctors Clinic, Dr. Perfect Celebrity offers personalized advice to patients who are concerned about textured breast implants, including monitoring, removal, replacement, and future implant options. The goal is to give patients clear information so they can make informed decisions without fear. Anyone who has concerns about an existing implant should schedule a professional evaluation, especially if new or persistent symptoms appear.