At Lickstein Plastic Surgery in Palm Beach Gardens, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of patient safety while educating our patients so they feel empowered about their choices. We understand that some breast augmentation patients may be concerned by recent reports that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recalled certain types of breast implants. Dr. Lickstein our highly experienced board-certified plastic surgeon was recently been featured on CBS 12 News to discuss the breast implant recall. We will explain which breast implants were recalled, why they were recalled, and what you need to know if you have breast implants.
Which Breast Implants Were Recalled?
First, we’d like to clarify that in this case the term “recall” does not mean the same thing as it does when typically used to describe defective consumer goods. It does not mean that the implants in question necessarily need to be replaced or removed. It does mean that doctors should no longer give these implants to their patients.
Allergan, a breast implant manufacturer, has voluntarily recalled certain breast implants at the request of the FDA. While the majority of breast implants in the U.S. have a smooth shell, the implants affected all have a textured outer shell. The implants that are recalled are:
- Natrelle Saline-Filled breast implants
- Natrelle Silicone-Filled breast implants
- Natrelle Inspira Silicone-Filled breast implants
- Natrelle 410 Highly Cohesive Anatomically Shaped Silicone-Filled breast implants
At Lickstein Plastic Surgery, we have not used any of these particular breast implants in the past two years.
Why Were These Implants Recalled?
The FDA has been studying 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 very treatable when detected early. Data has emerged that shows a link between these particular implants and BIA-ALCL, although the FDA states that the “overall incidence of BIA-ALCL appears to be relatively low.” You can read the full FDA statement here.
How Do I Know if My Breast Implants Are Affected by the Recall?
In the following video, Dr. Lickstein explains how to determine what type of breast implants you have:
What Should I Do if I Have Breast Implants That Were Recalled?
It is important to understand that the FDA is not recommending that women with these breast implants have them removed if they are not experiencing any symptoms of BIA-ALCL. If you experience swelling, pain, persistent tenderness, or other symptoms, contact your doctor. Schedule annual visits with your plastic surgeon to monitor your breast health.
Learn More About Breast Implant Removal in Palm Beach
Breast implants are a personal decision. While preventative breast implant removal is not recommended for asymptomatic women with textured breast implants, there are many reasons why a woman may decide to remove her implants or get new breast implants. Dr. Lickstein specializes in breast implant revision and en bloc breast implant removal in Palm Beach, Florida.
Contact Dr. David Lickstein
Dr. Lickstein and his team are here for you. Please feel free to contact our office with any questions about the recall on textured breast implants or about breast health for women with implants.
