Breast Implant Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) – Debunking the Myths

Dr. Philip Richardson

6 years ago

Learn about breast implant lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) and the facts surrounding this rare condition here.

Over the past decade, the topic of breast-implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) has continually resurfaced in the media. As a result, there has been significant concern among women with implants, and women considering breast augmentation. Misinformation has often fuelled the concern surrounding the issue. Of course, women considering breast augmentation should seek out the knowledge to understand all risks associated with surgery. This includes the risk of BIA-ALCL. However, there is significant misunderstanding about how this condition forms, and the actual risk of it happening to women with implants. The research available and current evidence will hopefully shed some light on the issue. The most important thing to understand is that ALCL has been found exclusively in women with macro-textured implants. Dr Richardson (plastic surgeon brisbane) uses smooth progressive gel implants by Motiva Australia. These implants do not fall into the ALCL-cited category.

What is ALCL?

ALCL is a rare disease of the T-cells (immune cells). Reaction to bacterial growth may–in part–be the cause. Any implant will have a degree of bacterial growth. However, macro-textured implants have an uneven and more substantial surface area that can host more bacteria. The current estimated risk rate for women with textured implants is between 1 in 3,800 to 30,000. There have been no cited cases of breast implant ALCL in women with smooth implants.

What are the symptoms?

A symptom of ALCL is a large amount fluid in the breast capsule developing, usually on average 3-14 years after having implants, but most commonly at around 8 years. Additionally, a dramatic change in the volume or size of the breast that is not related to another pain or trauma event may be an indication, however the likelihood is very low.

As standard practice, Dr Richardson advises that all patients with implants attend an ultra sound every 2 years regardless. This is to monitor any changes in the breasts, and will evidence any fluid build-up or need for subsequent tests. Once again, no instances of ALCL-related complications exist in women with smooth implants. Motiva’s advanced silk surface nano-technology is further reduces potential risk.

Motiva implants use advanced manufacturing methods that increase biocompatibility. This is the ability for the implant to be accepted by the body without prompting inflammatory responses from the existing breast tissue. Each contact point of the Motiva Implant surface is pre-determined and smaller than a single cell, which prevents the inflammatory process progressing, once again reducing risk of breast implant ALCL (Plastic Surgery Hub, 2017)

Plastic Surgery Hub. (2018). Motiva Breast Implants Address BIA-ALCL – Plastic Surgery Hub. [online] Available at: https://www.plasticsurgeryhub.com.au/motiva-breast-implants-address-bia-alcl/ [Accessed 8 Jun. 2018].