In my strong commitment to best practices and on-going patient education, my goal is to always keep my patients informed of any health-related updates. If you have recently had a routine follow-up appointment at my office, it is likely that you are already aware of the following information.
While breast implants have been studied for more than two decades and very rarely produce side effects, I wanted to make you aware of an uncommon condition called Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). This condition has been documented thus far in textured implants only and is both very rare and very treatable when caught early. Although The Health Protection Agency of Canada has not suggested we contact our patients, I feel it is important to educate. Again, the condition is very rare and I have not had one patient as of yet with this diagnosis; however as I have been involved and speaking internationally on this condition, I wanted to reach out to my patients personally. Furthermore, based on current research BIA-ALCL is minimized using proven techniques that I have used during your procedure. At this time, The Health Protection Agency of Canada and The FDA in the United States do not recommend removal of any of these implants without a significant medical indication.
Symptoms of the condition may include recent changes such as rapid on-set swelling, redness, changes in firmness or lumps around one or both implants. If you are experiencing these or any other symptoms, especially if they are new or rapidly changing, please call my office. We will evaluate and determine what additional testing, if any, may be indicated. In the vast majority of patients, these symptoms are not serious and may or may not require treatment.
Generally, it is a good idea to follow up with your plastic surgeon every 5 years. If we haven’t seen you recently, please call for more information and to arrange an appointment.
Additionally, I want to remind you of the importance of ongoing breast health surveillance including breast self-exams and mammograms scheduled by your family physician.
I would like to encourage you to share this information with other implant patients amongst your friends and family.
Please call my office if you have any questions or concerns.
Warmest Regards,
Note: The information was current at the time of publishing.