Allergan Breast Implant Recall

mads-xo

Hi Guys,

Recently I have just found out that my breast implants have been recalled.

I have textured Allergan Natrelle implants.

What I am hoping to find out is, if anyone has these as well and if they have had any luck in finding any information about possibly getting the costs/some costs covered for explanation of these implants?

I’m really disheartened as I have heard a lot of ladies say that Allergan will NOT cover ANY costs. And to “not worry” unless you have symptoms of the rare type of breast cancer... Which really doesn’t sit right with me.

Is there anything I can do? Take legal action? Look at insurance? 

Or does anyone recommend any surgeons that could help me out?

I’m only 24 and have been stressing since the day I found out. I am so upset.

Beesie

The implants that have been recalled are the ones sitting on the shelf. In other words, no new implants will be placed. Implants already in use have not been recalled because the risk level is so low - 0.02% is the highest estimate I've seen. This is why Allergan will not pay for the removal/replacement.

However if you had a mastectomy or bilateral mastectomy due to a breast cancer diagnosis, I believe your insurance is obligated to cover the cost of implant removal or replacement.

There are already many discussion threads on this topic. Do a search for "Allergan".

Frostecat

Mads-xo, I completely understand how you feel. I received a letter in the mail 3 days ago that mine are recalled. It says not to do anything unless you are experiencing pain. I've had pain since the surgery, especially in my armpit area.

I feel like I've got a ticking time bomb, and that letter was nothing but to try and relieve any finger pointing to Allergan.

MinusTwo

There are a number of threads on BCO about these implants. Listen to Beesie. It you had the implants because of breast cancer, you can certainly get them exchanged. If you're having unexplained pain, see your doc. But if you're not having any problems - why?

Randi64

I feel your pain! I am scheduled for exchange of my Allergen 410 implants on 9/20. I had them placed 2/18 because of unhappiness with my previous ones. My surgeon was VERY behind getting them out. There's no way I can play the "wait and see" game. By the time I have symptoms the cancer would already be there. Even though risk is very low, there is still risk that I am unwilling to live with. I have been told insurance should cover. (haven't recieved the final approvals just yet). Good luck to all who are facing our next challenge!

Beesie

The OP has this one post only. Given her lack of response to my comment about the option of exchange for those who've had a MX for breast cancer, and given the OP's age, my guess is that her implants are for cosmetic enhancement, not due to breast cancer surgery. This would make it very difficult if not impossible for her to get cost coverage for replacement.

ClaireFraser

I received my letter last week, the doctor's office finally called back today (I lost my card). My left, the MX side, has been recalled. Will I wait to see if I develop symptoms? Hell no. While the thought of having surgery again doesn't sit well with me, it has to be done.

MinusTwo

We all have our own risk tolerance, but implants in our bodies have NOT been recalled.

My plastic surgeon recommended waiting since I have no symptoms. That's what I'm doing.

Calico

I have the textured 410's, got severe itching and stabbing pains on and off, looks like there could be a fluid pocket on the front side, but perhaps it is just changes from radiation, not sure if that is a sign of cancer but I want them out. Had them put in 13 years ago. Got my referral, the plastic surgeon they gave me is 84 years old. I must go to the appointment otherwise I pay out of pocket. Military clinic. Any suggestions? Thank you.

MinusTwo

Calico: Glad you posted on this other forum and got some good responses. I'd at least go talk to the guy. Maybe he keeps up on all the latest information and passes along the surgical requirements.

https://community.breastcancer.org/forum/44/topics...

Hgirten

I am seeing my doctor in a couple of weeks. Because of radiation, my implant is horrible. Skin is very thin and may not be able to take it out without skin grafts. I am like others and feel like a ticking time bomb. If you have seen a doctor already what are they suggesting.

Andraxo

I saw my PS on Aug 23rd. I have the 410 highly cohesive anatomic model implants. He said something along the lines that the lymphoma cases were not in women where the implants are wrapped in the alloderm like they are for reconstruction, but that they the cases were with implants for augmentation where it is in direct contact with breast tissue. I have no way of verifying this though.

I have been having intermittent swelling on one side (NOT the cancer or radiation side) for over 6 months but that could still be a reaction to the alloderm. I also had a bizarre problem 6 months ago with redness and minimal swelling on the radiated side that could not be explained with MRI or skin biopsy and did not resolve with antibiotics, but gradually went away on its own - again could still be a reaction to alloderm per PS.

He did confirm what I already knew were my options: 1. leave them alone and do nothing....the wait and see approach as Allergan recommends if no symptoms. 2. replace the implants with smooth rounds (which would likely be even MORE rippled since I'm so lean). 3. go flat including removal on my nipples (by choice). Oddly choice 3 (going flat) has more immediate risk than implant replacement due to having to remove the excess skin that makes up the current pocket and that the radiated side has some fibrosis and may not heal well (higher risk of skin death, which would then mean grafting). Implants, ANY implants, have more risk long term though.

While I do like having little breasts( A+/B- size, 250cc) again after bilateral mastectomy, these really are not mine. I'm back to being disappointed/discouraged/saddened that there really aren't any options for me for anywhere near natural looking breasts. I'm angry at cancer all over again. I'm very lean/athletic and the implants are under my skin, not muscle, so they don't interfere with all my muscle use for sports. While that is great (Yay pain free sports!!), they are soooo visible under the skin and look ridiculous. They're also cold despite being so thin/flat. I don't understand why my spouse even wants to touch them. No, I can't fat graft because I don't have enough fat for that. Also not a candidate for DIEP and no way I'd ever use any kind of muscle flap. The implants are most annoying in side lying in terms of comfort.

I think I'm opting to going flat. I was flat for 1.5 years before reconstruction (though had nipple sparing) and if I ever wanted small breast to fill our a specific shirt/top I just used those foam triangles that come with some bras - that was all I needed. I always had to cover my nipples, which was very annoying. If I go back to flat I'd also ditch the nipples since they are pretty useless and haven't been in the best location since reconstruction anyway (too lateral). It will just be an adjustment for sure (mentally more than anything)....a big loss, all over again.

Thanks for letting me vent this all here. Hope you all figure out the best thing to do for yourselves. - xo

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.

robinblessed54

I have been doing some real research. If you go on You Tube and type in 1st World Consensus Conference on BIA-ALCL, you will find a large number of professionals from around the world taking their knowledge and talking about this world wide topic. It is 11.55 hours long, yes, you heard me right! Some parts of it are dry and technical, but I have learned a lot. I feel like I have some good questions to ask my PS on the 24th. I am only 1/2 way through.
The US is really lacking registration of the implants and following up. The “industry” runs the implant game not the government or doctors.

They mentioned that explanting can cause more problems and no guarantee that the disease won’t occur eventually. So, take a look and research!! Robin