There was a report of a “textured gluteal implant” associated ALCL out last year from the Department of Plastic Surgery at USC Hospital. However, the manufacturer of the implant was never identified. Sadly also, the plastic surgeons at USC never even removed the implants from this patient for examination and confirmation that it was, in fact, an actual gluteal (aka buttock) implant and not a textured breast implant, which is not uncommonly used for buttock augmentation, especially in other countries outside the USA. Instead, the authors only heard from the patient’s understanding of what basic type of implant was placed inside her body. It is still a medical mystery to me as to why the implant was not examined before reporting such a serious incident and it’s subsequent consequences. The reason that this is so important is because traditional “textured” buttock implants are not anything like the texturing on the breast implants linked to the relatively high risk of breast implant associated-ALCL (aka “BAI-ALCL“). It has been proven amongst breast implants that those brands with the highest, most sophisticated level of texturing (like velcro or a Brillo pad) that induces more tissue integration are by far more risky for BAI-ALCL compared to other less textured brands. Now, the texturing on USA FDA approved buttock implants is nothing similar to that of breast implants, rather it is much more like a matte finish pant job, smoother and with no integration of tissue. That all being said, no one can say yet with 100% certainty that any body/face implants other than breast implants will not or can not ever lead to ALCL. In fact to error on the side of extreme caution, all Stanton Anatomic gluteal implants are now being manufactured with completely smooth surfaces. Finally, the FDA currently recommends that any patient with textured breast implants not rush to their surgeon for removal but rather keep a close eye on their breasts for any changes whatsoever and follow up with your surgeon if so and on a regular basis. Hope this helps.
