{"id":722,"date":"2020-09-11T12:55:18","date_gmt":"2020-09-11T12:55:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sprsi.com\/blog\/?p=722"},"modified":"2023-01-25T14:34:02","modified_gmt":"2023-01-25T14:34:02","slug":"gummy-bear-implants-and-cancer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sprsi.com\/blog\/gummy-bear-implants-and-cancer\/","title":{"rendered":"Do Gummy Bear Implants Increase Cancer Risk?"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Thousands of women worldwide turn to breast augmentation to enhance their natural appearance<\/a>, gaining confidence through enhancements like larger breasts, restoration of volume, and asymmetry. There’s no “one-size-fits-all” approach to breast enhancements \u2014 every patient’s goals are unique.<\/p>\n

Since the mid-2000s, many women turned to the natural appearance of “gummy bear” breast implants, also known as form-stable implants.\u00a0However, 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).<\/p>\n

Now, doctors are recommending other, safer, forms of enhancement to achieve their patients’ goals.\u00a0After 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.<\/p>\n

Schedule A Breast Augmentation Consultation Today <\/a><\/p>\n

As with any surgery, there are some risks involved<\/a>. Some chances, though, are not worth taking. While other saline and silicone breast implants<\/a> appear to be safe, gummy bear implants have a more demonstrable link to implant-associated BIA-ALCL.\u00a0Above all, your surgeon cares most about your safety and may suggest other methods to achieve your desired appearance.<\/p>\n

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What Is BIA-ALCL? Is BIA-ALCL Breast Cancer?<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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 \u2014 that are\u00a0six times more likely\u00a0to cause this cancer than other existing brands \u2014 which Allergan promptly responded to, removing their product worldwide.<\/p>\n

BIA-ALCL is\u00a0not<\/b>\u00a0breast 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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What Are the Symptoms of BIA-ALCL? What’s the Treatment?<\/h2>\n

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:<\/p>\n