ALCL and Breast Implant Concerns

An increasing number of women are concerned about the health effects of breast implants, given the recent reports on Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) and Breast Implant Illness (BII). Perhaps you have considered breast augmentation because you’re unhappy with the size of your breasts, but you are afraid of the potential risks of breast implants. If you currently have breast implants, you may be worried about an increased risk of cancer or other breast implant-related illnesses. If you are seeking information about breast augmentation without these risks, we are here for you.

Houston Plastic Surgeon Dr. Sean Boutros is sensitive to concerns about BIA-ALCL and BII. As a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with extensive experience in reconstructive surgery for breast cancer patients, he has a deep understanding of cancer. He was inspired to utilize his surgical skill and knowledge of oncological principles to offer a new type of breast augmentation that adds shape and volume to breasts without implants. The All Me Augmentation Procedure (Cosmetic Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator [DIEP] Flap Breast Augmentation) is a revolutionary option for women who would like to enhance their breasts without the risk of BIA-ALCL or BII, as well as women who would like to have their breast implants removed while maintaining the size of their breasts.

What is Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma?

Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, not breast cancer, that has been linked to certain types of breast implants. At the request of the FDA, several types of textured breast implants have been recalled. While BIA-ALCL is relatively rare and is typically responsive to treatment, it is still a potentially life-threatening disease.¹ While the official advice of the FDA does not include removal of recalled breast implants unless you are experiencing symptoms, asymptomatic patients may have personal reasons for seeking implant removal. Symptoms of BIA-ALCL may include a lump in the breast or armpit, pain or swelling in the breast, and a hardening of the breast.²

What is Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma?

What is Breast Implant Illness?

Breast Implant Illness (BII) is an autoimmune condition with varying symptoms that can affect women with breast implants. There is no test or standard diagnostic guide for BII, which has contributed to frustration for patients as well as debate within the medical community. BII can occur with any type of breast implant and symptoms may include fatigue, joint pain, muscle aches, gastrointestinal issues, anxiety, brain fog, hair loss, and respiratory problems.³ While doctors do not always agree on the causes or treatments of BII, expert analysis of BII has established that comprehensive studies are needed to establish unbiased and accurate information of this condition.⁴ The FDA reports that removal of breast implants has been shown to reverse the symptoms of BII.5

Enhance Your Shape Without Risk of BIA-ALCL and Breast Implant Illness

Cosmetic DIEP Flap Breast Augmentation can allow you to improve the shape and size of your breasts without the potential complications of BIA-ALCL or BII. If you have already had traditional breast augmentation, Cosmetic DIEP Flap breast augmentation gives you the option of removing your breast implants to eliminate your risk of BIA-ALCL or BII while maintaining your breast size.

How Does Cosmetic DIEP Flap Breast Augmentation Work?

Cosmetic DIEP Flap Breast Augmentation involves harvesting tissue from your abdomen in a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty like procedure and using your own living tissue to add volume to your breasts without any implants. This type of complex microsurgery is highly effective and can provide beautiful, natural-looking results when performed by an experienced surgeon. It transfers not only the fat tissue, but also the blood vessels that supply the fat in order to keep the fat alive. Dr. Boutros has performed over 3,000 DIEP flap procedures, has been recognized for his outstanding success with this procedure, and has published the largest clinical study of DIEP flap cases with zero flap failures. Learn more about Cosmetic DIEP Flap breast augmentation.

Contact Dr. Sean Boutros for Natural Breast Augmentation in Houston

Dr. Boutros specializes in en bloc implant removal techniques to safeguard your health and offers natural breast augmentation by utilizing proven DIEP Flap techniques. He is known for compassionate and comprehensive care. Contact us with any questions or to schedule your consultation appointment.
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References
^{1 American Society of Plastic Surgeons. 2018 Plastic Surgery Statistics Report. Available: https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2018/plastic-surgery-statistics-full-report-2018.pdf Accessed January 6, 2020}
^{2 U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Risks and Complications of Breast Implants. Available: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/breast-implants/risks-and-complications-breast-implants#Capsular_Contracture Accessed January 6, 2020}
^{3 Martinez CA, Reis SM, Rednam R, Boutros SG. The Outpatient DIEP: Safety and Viability following a Modified Recovery Protocol. Plast Reconstr Surg Glob Open. 2018;6(9):e1898. Published 2018 Sep 14. doi:10.1097/GOX.0000000000001898}
^{4 Delay E. Lipomodeling of the reconstructed breast. Surgery of the breast: principles and art. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2006. p.912-33.}
^{5 Boutros SG. Double venous system drainage in deep inferior epigastric perforator flap breast reconstruction: a single-surgeon experience. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2013 Apr;131(4):671-6. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0b013e31828189e6.}