Skip to main content

FDA Asks Allergan to Recall Textured Breast Implants

Doctor showing patient breast implantsAt Hankins and Sohn Plastic Surgery Associates in Las Vegas, patient safety is a top priority. Dr. Hankins and Dr. Sohn are experienced board-certified plastic surgeons who are committed to educating patients in order to help them make informed choices. You may have heard recently that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a recall for certain types of breast implants. We understand that this news can be concerning for breast augmentation patients, but we are here to answer your questions.

What is the Breast Implant Recall?

Allergan is a pharmaceutical company that manufactures breast implants. The FDA has asked Allergan to voluntarily recall certain types of breast implants that have a textured outer shell. The recall only affects textured breast implants, and it does not apply to breast implants with a smooth shell. According to the FDA, fewer than 5% of all breast implants used in the U.S. have a textured outer shell. This recall means that doctors should no longer use the affected breast implants, but it does not mean that women must have their implants removed.

You can read the full FDA statement here.

Which Breast Implants Are Affected by the Recall?

The plastic surgeons at Hankins and Sohn are complying with the recall, which includes the following implants:

Why Are Textured Implants Recalled?

The FDA has been collecting information on an illness called breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), which is a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. BIA-ALCL is not breast cancer and it is highly treatable when detected early. Data shows that BIA-ALCL is very rare and is linked almost exclusively to textured implants.

What Should I Do if I Have Recalled Breast Implants?

We know that you may feel alarmed if you determine that you have breast implants that are affected by the recall, but you do not need to panic. The first thing you should know is that the FDA does not recommend that women with textured breast implants have them removed if they are not experiencing any symptoms. The implant recall is a safety precaution, but the chance of developing BIA-ALCL is extremely low. You should continue to monitor your breast health, have yearly exams, and contact your doctor if you experience breast swelling, tenderness, pain or any changes in your breasts. Please contact us with any questions you have about the recall or breast implant health.