Recall concern

Shell627

I had implants put in 10 years ago. They are not the textured ones that are being recalled but they are the same brand. A few years ago I went to the dr complaining about my breast size enlarging for no real reason... the implants were a c and I was now a ddd with no real weight gain. It didn’t make sense for them to get that big in such a short amount of time. I was also having sharp pain in the nipple area. Now I see the recall and symptoms that are similar to those affected. Should I be worried? Should I get them removed? I am very concerned for myhealth.

Moderators

Dear Shell627,

Welcome to the BCO community. We are sorry that your situation has brought you here but glad that you reached out. We have put up this information on our main site in response to the news about the allergen issues related to Biocell Textured implants. You can find the information here at Allergan Issues Worldwide Recall of Biocell Textured Breast Implants and Tissue Expanders . You also might want to check out this thread that is also devoted to the topic of Allergan Issues. You may want to post there. Let us know if we can be of further help.

The Mods

MinusTwo

Shell - I thought it was worth answering you on this site in addition to the on going Allergan thread.

If you read the recall thoroughly (thanks mods) you will see that unless you have symptoms, the FDA is NOT recommending that the implants be removed. The specific models are included in a chart.

Since you have some pain, you should go see your oncologist or your plastic surgeon. It may be appropriate to have an MRI. Any further action is a decision you will have to make after consulting with your doctors. Each of us has different circumstances & bodies and different risk tolerance. There's no way to predict what you might discover and what you choose to do once you have the facts about your personal case.

MinusTwo

I am posting this on several threads that are discussion the recalled implants. And BTW, it is not implants in your body, only what was in stock on the shelves.

I have the Allergan 410 Anatomical Textured implants. They were "installed" in 2011. I really like the implants so I determined to have some testing before jumping off the cliff. My MO ordered both a diagnostic ULS and an MRI. I went back to the radiologist who was 'spot on' for my original diagnosis.

I had already seen both the PS and the MO and both of them said they don't see any problems, but...

Today I had the ULS. This is a radiologist that I REALLY trust. He has seen a couple of ALCL instances out of a ton of people. I wanted an ULS to verify - and maybe an MRI follow up. In his opinion, he has seen either fluid or a mass if the patient has ALCL. He saw nothing abnormal on my films. My gut reaction is NO - I am not going to explant and I am not going to have any more surgery just now. As I suspected, my pain is likely from radiation after effects. When I pushed him for a 'survivorship plan', (my MO basically says do nothing) he suggested I come back every two years since I already had a recurrence 2 years after the original cancer & implants. He said many women come every year because they are worried and need reassurance or to have their hands held. Not a judgement, just a fact.

He said I can surely have the MRI if I want, but I am confident enough of his skills that I will pass on the MRI & extra radiation for now. And I will agree with my PS that I don't need to worry so much.