Are Sientra textured implants linked to ALCL?

Question

I have sientra round, textured “gummy bear” implants. I know certain textured implants are linked to ALCL. Can you tell me if this is one of the brands linked to it?

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am not aware of BIA-ALCL (breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma) cases linked to Sientra textured breast implants thus far.  Of course, this does not mean that cases will not be reported in the future.   Some general information regarding BIA–ALCL may be helpful to you.The scientific literature now indicates that between one in 3800 women and one in 30,000 women with textured implants are at risk for developing BIA/ALCL (breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma).Although greater than 500 cases of BIA/ALCL have been confirmed worldwide, no cases have been reported in women exposed to smooth implant only.Whereas systemic ALCL is an aggressive metastatic disease, BIA-ALCL is more akin to cutaneous ALCL with an indolent course, often identified during the early stages of of the disease with lymphoma cells confined to a seroma or capsular tissue.
BIA/ALCL is most commonly detected during early stages of the disease with approximately two thirds of cases presenting as a delayed (greater than one year) implant related seroma, one third as a capsular mass, and a very small number with metastatic disease.  The mean time from implant surgery to diagnosis is approximately 10 years.  Patients typically present with a delayed seroma 8 to 10 years following implantation or, less commonly, with a capsular mass or systemic disease.Pathogenesis is likely to be multifactorial with current evidence recognizing the combination of chronic infection, biofilm formation, implant texturization, chronic inflammation, and time.
Current recommendations suggest ultrasound as first-line modality. With confirmation of seroma or mass, tissue specimens should be obtained via fine needle aspiration or biopsy.
 
 Current evidence suggests the disease localized to the capsule to be treated with surgery alone with removal of implants and complete excision of the capsule and any suspicious lymph nodes.   other modalities of treatment include chemotherapy, external beam radiation therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation. I hope this helps.

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

The current recommendation is to be screened regularly (i.e. yearly) with a physical exam from your board certified plastic surgeon for signs and symptoms of ALCL regardless of the brand of the device. That being said, that brand of implant was not the brand most associated with ALCL in the largest studies available.

Albert Ko, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! Textured implants have been linked to ACLS. I would schedule a consultation with your surgeon to discuss your concerns. Best of luck.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear aahk26,
no, there are no links between Sinetra textured implants and ALCL. There are some reports linking Allergan BIOCELL  implants with ALCL. However FDA didn't require removal of implants in asymptomatic patients.
Daniel Barrett, MD

Kirk Moore, MD · Answer

I only use textured Sientra implants and have not heard anything about it being linked to ALCL. Keep doing check ups with your Plastic Surgeon on regular check ups.

Stephen M. Krant, MD, FACS · Answer

The overall risk of ALCL in breast surgery is related to the
type of texturing that is found in Allergan BIOCELL implants. The FDA has
recalled these prostheses, both saline and gel filled. However, the FDA did not
advise patients with Allergan BIOCELL textured breast implants to have
their implants removed unless they show symptoms of swelling and pain around
the implant. Also, a CD30 test can be done to rule out ALCL.
 Out of 573
cases of BIA-ALCL around the world, 481 of the patients were reported to have
Allergan breast implants. 
Good luck!

Are Sientra textured implants linked to ALCL?

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Answer: Are Sientra textured implants linked to ALCL?

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Are Sientra textured implants linked to ALCL?

Answers (11)

Answer: ALCL

Answer: ALCL

Answer: Sientra linked to ALCL

Answer: Sientra linked to ALCL

Answer: Are Sientra textured implants linked to ALCL?

Answer: Are Sientra textured implants linked to ALCL?

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Everything you need to know about Sientra Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.