All individuals who elect for breast implant surgery need to know the risks involved. If you plan on getting breast implants, or you have them already, you need to know that there is a risk for BIA-ALCL. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), "All women planning to get breast implants should know that there is a risk of BIA-ALCL." I personally feel that researchers are only at the tip of the iceberg when it comes to understanding BIA-ALCL and that more unsettling information is waiting to be uncovered.
Breast cancer vs. BIA-ALCL
Many plastic surgeons today are trying to justify or advocate that when comparing breast cancer to BIA-ALCL, you have a higher risk of getting breast cancer than getting BIA-ALCL from implants. So what exactly are these messages from plastic surgeons trying to tell us? Are they saying "the odds of you getting cancer are already high so the risk from breast implants is irrelevant or nothing to be concerned about?" How do the women that actually have breast cancer, undergo treatment and a mastectomy, and later elect for breast implant surgery feel?
Knowing that there are now documented risks related to breast implants and BIA-ALCL, why are plastic surgeons minimizing the occurrence of this risk? This is a cause for major concern as some BIA-ALCL cases were undetected causing premature death in women worldwide, and it appears that the number of BIA-ALCL cases have not been diagnosed or reported correctly giving the impression that the risk of BIA-ALCL may actually be bigger than we are being told. I believe all the new media attention created by the women that have undergone breast implant surgery has actually played a positive role in demanding improved research related directly to breast implants. Cheers to the women who are finally taking charge of their health and demanding answers.
We understand every person is different. We understand that our genetics, our age, our lifestyle, the types of implants, and various manufacturers also have an impact, along with several other factors affecting our personal well-being in every aspect of our lives. We understand that even though breast cancer rates are high, not everyone will get it in their lifetime. We also understand that even though BIA-ALCL rates are not as high as breast cancer and may not be as common, anyone who gets breast implants is at risk, but not everyone will get it in their lifetime. What we do understand is that we have now been made aware that there is a link between breast implants and BIA-ALCL.
Plastic surgeons & governments alike need to be accountable
Now that research is revealing that there are risks as it relates directly to breast implants, what exactly are our governments worldwide doing to reduce the risks, what mandated actions are they taking to analyze, record and communicate these risks? We need to make plastic surgeons and our governments accountable.
Many governments and plastic surgeons have made statements stating if you are not currently experiencing any symptoms, to leave them in. I'm having a hard time understanding this recommendation. Why create more liabilities? How is this going to help women? Breast implants are not permanent medical devices. They do have to be removed at some point, so why increase the risks by keeping them in any longer especially if you have the breast implants that are directly part of a worldwide manufacturer recall?
So back to the original question - "If I have breast implants, am I at risk for getting BIA-ALCL?"
We now know the answer is simple - yes.
All posts are intended strictly for educational purposes. It is not intended to make any representations or warranties about the outcome of any procedure. It is not a substitute for a thorough in-person consultation with a medical professional. If you have questions about your personal medical situation, please call your healthcare provider.
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