Important Health News on Breast Implants

ALCL and Breast Implants

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is providing the following resources to patients and consumers regarding the FDA Safety Communication and reports.

Resources

• Latest Data on ALCL and Breast Implants
• ASPS Collaborates with FDA Review of Breast Implants
• FDA review indicates possible association between breast implants and a rare lymphoma
• FDA Medical Device Safety Communication
  "Reports of Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) in Women with Breast Implants"
• FDA White Paper
  "Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) In Women with Breast Implants: Preliminary FDA Findings & Analyses"

What You Should Know

• ALCL is extremely rare - of the estimated 10 million breast implants worldwide, only 34 cases of ALCL have been reported since 1989.
• The FDA believes that any potential risk that women with breast implants will develop ALCL is extremely low.
• A woman is more likely to be struck by lightning than get this condition.
• Both the FDA and ASPS are confident that breast implants remain safe and effective.

What You Should Do

• If you have implants, continue your normal routine in medical care.
• Watch for changes - if you notice unusual pain or swelling, contact an ASPS Member Surgeon.
• As always, those considering breast implant surgery should discuss any potential benefits or risks with an ASPS Member Surgeon.