Implant/Tissue Expander Recall

hodgepodge

Anybody else have these? I have the TE that is included in the recall. I wouldn't be that worried but have been in constant pain since my last fill (3 weeks ago) and had a lot of swelling under my arm. Sleeping has been harder than it was after surgery. I had chalked it up to the final fill being the biggest and the expansion probably hurts the most at the end. After my previous fills I would only have discomfort 3 days max. This time I've actually had pain that wakes me up at night and is constant. Then when I found out my TE is included in the recall I started to panic.... I've put a call in to my PS and left a message on the nurse line but haven't heard anything back...any words of wisdom?

Moderators

hodgepodge,

Have you seen our research news article on this topic?

Allergan Issues Worldwide Recall of Biocell Textured Breast Implants and Tissue Expanders

"The FDA has not recommended removal or replacement of textured breast implants or tissue expanders in women who are having no symptoms."

We hope this helps!

--The Mods

MinusTwo

If you have any kind of TEs (tissue expanders) you can expect to be in a fair amount of discomfort - if not outright pain - as the TEs are stretching your skin & muscles. Sorry to say, I had pain for the entire 6 month expansion phase. You're still in the process of expanding so you don't have implants yet. This should be no problem at your stage.

VegGal

Almost all cases of ALCL occur at least 2 years after placement--with a mean of 8 years. The TE's just suck, and that is almost certainly the cause of your symptoms!