BREAST IMPLANT SAFETY UPDATE

Breast augmentation using silicone breast implants is consistently one of the most popular cosmetic procedures with year on year rises in the number of women undergoing the procedure. Recently there has been several media articles regarding the long term safety of breast implants, in particular relating to Breast Implant Associated – Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) and Breast Implant Illness (BII). While both conditions need to be taken seriously and more research is needed to fully understand both, overall most women have a safe and positive experience following breast augmentation surgery.

However for those affected by these conditions or any other problem with their implants, it is so important that they are able to return to their plastic surgeons or if this is not possible, to be seen by another plastic surgeon to have their concerns discussed and assessed. Just as it is reasonable to consider a breast augmentation surgery, it is also very reasonable to have breast implants removed if you no longer wish to have them or they are causing problems. In light of recent articles on BII and BIA-ALCL, the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons have made available information leaflets on BII and BIA-ALCL for patients. I thought it would be helpful for my patients or any other women who are concerned about their implants to link to these leaflets from my website for you. I hope you find them useful.

I have also included a link to the Breast and Cosmetic Implant Registry (BCIR) as this body was purposely set up to collect data and monitor trends and complications relating to breast implants. Along with the MHRA, important safety information is being collected by the BCIR about breast implants.

Breast Implant Illness – BAAPS Patient Information Leaflet

Breast Implant Associated – Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma – BAAPS Patient Information Leaflet

Breast & Cosmetic Implant Registry Patient Information Leaflet