The Allergan Textured Breast Implant Recall
Women choose textured breast implants because their rough surfaces interact with body tissue and help them stay in place. The FDA’s recall of Allergan’s breast implants comes after 38 countries already recalled the company’s products. Initial worries over the safety of Allergan textured breast implants began in March of 2017. The FDA resisted an initial recall because the administration stated that it needed to further study the issue. By the July 2019 recall, the FDA confirmed that the textured implants had a significant correlation with BIA-ALCL.
The administration found that, out of 573 cases of BIA-ALCL in the world, 481 of them were linked to Allergan textured breast implants. This is nearly 84 percent of all global cases of BIA-ALCL, and the FDA found that those with Allergan implants are six times more likely to develop cancer.
About BIA-ALCL: What It Is & Why It Happens
BIA-ALCL stands for "breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma," a rare breast cancer almost exclusively associated with textured breast implants. The texture of the implants creates scar tissue and fluid buildup, which eventually generates tumor cells. The symptoms of BIA-ALCL can take up to 10 years to manifest.
Symptoms of BIA-ALCL include the following:
- Swelling near breast implants
- Pain near breast implants
- Skin irritation
Though medical professionals are not completely certain what causes BIA-ALCL, one theory states that the cancer occurs in reaction to a rough implant’s texture. Rough implants are supposed to interact with body tissue to stay in place. Some medical professionals believe that this tissue-implant interaction causes immune cells to accumulate and become cancerous. Another theory posits that a bacterial biofilm coats the surface of textured implants and triggers BIA-ALCL.
If a person is diagnosed with BIA-ALCL, the FDA suggests that they remove the implant, including the scar capsule near the implants. This is an extensive operation but is necessary to remove the tissues associated with BIA-ALCL. This rare form of cancer has claimed the lives of 33 women. Of the 13 deaths in which an implant manufacturer has been identified, investigators confirmed that 12 of them had Allergan implants.
Ask an Allergan Breast Implant Lawyer About Your Options
One of the most frustrating facts about the development of this recall is there were signs of the dangers of Allergan textured breast implants in 2011. In 2017, more concerns about Allergan were raised from investigative reports. However, the FDA did not issue a recall of the implants because it cited the need for more research. Even though 38 countries recalled Allergan BIOCELL textured breast implants, the pharmaceutical company continued to off them in the United States until the FDA finally asked for a recall in July of 2019.
While nothing will change what happened to you because of this product, you can hold this company accountable by calling us. Our Allergan breast implant attorneys are ready to find answers for what happened and pursue the financial relief you rightfully deserve.
Call us today to find out what to do next at (888) 493-1629. A member of our team is available to hear your story.
