Dr. Chasan on the FDA Implant Recall

To Our Valued Patients,

There has been a considerable amount of recent press related to Breast Implant Associated-Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) as a result of Allergan’s recent recall of the BIOCELL textured implants and expanders. This has been a relatively new disease that appears to be specifically associated with NATRELLE textured implants.  The percentage of patients having ALCL is an extremely small as only 457 cases have been documented in the U.S. to date.  The most common symptom associated with BIA-ALCL is swelling around one breast approximately 8-9 years post-operative.

I want my patients to know that in my practice, I have used very few textured implants.  Generally, the very few that I have used were for very specific indications.  The vast majority of breast implants that I have used for cosmetic purposes have been smooth, round implants that do not appear to be associated with ALCL, according to Allergan.

Currently, the FDA’s recommendation to those few patients who have textured implants, is not to remove them if they are not experiencing any symptoms.  Allergan has put a program in place for patients that have had textured implants recalled. For full details about the recall, list of symptoms associated, as well as other FAQ’s and resources on how to submit a claim, please contact Allergan directly at 1-800-678-1605, option #2 or by email at [email protected]

If you are a patient of mine and have questions regarding what type of implant you have, please feel free to contact my practice at
858-450-1555 and my friendly staff will be happy to provide you that information.

You can also get more information from the American Society of Plastic Surgery website at:  https://www.plasticsurgery.org/for-medical-professionals/health-policy/bia-alcl-physician-resources/safety-advisory