Thousands of women worldwide turn to breast augmentation to enhance their natural appearance, gaining confidence through enhancements like larger breasts, restoration of volume, and asymmetry. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach to breast enhancements — every patient’s goals are unique.

Since the mid-2000s, many women turned to the natural appearance of “gummy bear” breast implants, also known as form-stable implants. However, recent studies by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) discovered a link between the type of breast implants and a rare form of cancer called anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).

Now, doctors are recommending other, safer, forms of enhancement to achieve their patients’ goals. After years of evaluation of the hundreds of thousands of women who received implants over the years, gummy bear implants earned a controversial reputation. The seemingly apparent benefits fail to outweigh the looming risks of gummy bear implants caused by these qualities.

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As with any surgery, there are some risks involved. Some chances, though, are not worth taking. While other saline and silicone breast implants appear to be safe, gummy bear implants have a more demonstrable link to implant-associated BIA-ALCL. Above all, your surgeon cares most about your safety and may suggest other methods to achieve your desired appearance.

What Is BIA-ALCL? Is BIA-ALCL Breast Cancer?

In 2011, the FDA identified a possible link between gummy bear implants and BIA-ALCL. But, with so few cases, they couldn’t be sure the association wasn’t merely a coincidence. With breast implants becoming increasingly popular, the World Health Organization and the FDA performed an increased number of in-depth reviews to ensure patient safety.

Recent studies confirmed the link, finding the rare form of cancer most common in patients with implants produced by the global pharmaceutical company Allergan. The FDA requested a recall of these products — that are six times more likely to cause this cancer than other existing brands — which Allergan promptly responded to, removing their product worldwide.

BIA-ALCL is not breast cancer. Instead, it’s a rare form of T-cell lymphoma found in the scar tissue and excess fluid around the actual breast implant. During surgery, your doctor carefully and strategically places the breast implants in the interior of the breasts. As your body heals, it surrounds the implant with layers of cells, tissue, and fat. BIA-ALCL is present under the fat and breast tissue, within the fibrous scar capsule.

It’s not clear what is causing this development, but research suggests it is the interaction of the textured implant’s surface with the surrounding scar tissue, built during the healing process. Because of this, most women don’t develop symptoms of BIA-ALCL until years after augmentation surgery.

What Are the Symptoms of BIA-ALCL? What’s the Treatment?

During your regular screenings, your doctor will likely administer a physical exam, use imaging, or look for evidence of fluid and a buildup of tissue around the breast implant. Tell your doctor if you experience any symptoms of BIA-ALCL, like:

• Persistent swelling
• Presence of a mass
• Pain in the area of the breast implant
• Thick, noticeable scar capsule around the implant

If you experience these symptoms and don’t have a routine screening scheduled soon, consult your health care provider. BIA-ALCL is curable in most patients if diagnosed early. Seldomly, BIA-ALCL can spread throughout the body, which ultimately affects the treatment process.

Treatment depends on the severity, but in most cases, you’ll need to have the implant itself removed, along with the surrounding scar tissue. In the event of a more severe case, treatment may include chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

What Should You Do If You Already Have Gummy Bear Implants?

If you aren’t experiencing any BIA-ALCL symptoms, the FDA isn’t recommending the removal of existing gummy bear implants. Instead, they suggest:

• Staying knowledgable about the possible symptoms
• Going to your regular screenings
• Keeping a record of the type of breast implant, its manufacturer, and implant model name
• Understanding that the BIA-ALCL may occur years after the enhancement

For peace of mind, talk to your health care provider or surgeon for more information on your risk of BIA-ALCL. Although your risk is small, affecting only a small percentage of the 313,735 women with breast augmentations as reported in 2018, your safety is a top priority.

Should You Consider Getting Breast Implants?

If you’re considering getting breast implants, schedule an appointment with an experienced surgeon to discuss your goals. You shouldn’t have to live your life with insecurities, and you deserve to feel confident about your shape. As previously mentioned, your surgeon will discuss the benefits and risks associated with breast implants.

They will walk you through each step, from the safest types of breast implants, what to expect, how to monitor for complications, and your options for eventual removal or replacement if necessary. Ultimately, your surgeon’s goal is to make you feel confident in your body in the safest way possible.

Discuss Your Goals With Southern Plastic & Reconstructive Surgical Institute

Dr. Brought and the staff at SPRSI take pride in our customer service and compassionate care. We take action to protect our patients from risk, offering full transparency that allows you to make an educated decision on the best method to reach your desired shape. We don’t use an answering service — instead, we remain available day and night for our patient’s needs.

We offer a holistic approach to health and wellness in a range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, including breast augmentation. During your appointment, we will discuss your goals and the best plan of action to achieve them. Not everyone is suitable for every procedure, but we will do our best to provide safe alternatives to give you the confidence you deserve.

To arrange a consultation with Dr. Brought at any of our Tennessee locations, call our office at 615-791-9090 or complete our online form for a fast response from one of our friendly staff members.