Allergan Implant Recall - having issues and need removing

Sorry to hear about your situation. Here are a few things to know that will help you decide which way to go: First, the lifetime warranty is only for implant rupture. The manufacturers did add coverage for capsular contracture a few years ago but it does not apply retroactively. The recall for textured implants was a voluntary withdrawal by Allergan, due to a rare condition called ALCL. This has been known for about 10 years but had not been identified in 2009 when you had your implants. Allergan was offering a replacement smooth implant but I am not sure if it still applies in your case. If there is a mass and capsular contracture, then you should have a capsulectomy.

Hello @jaycee2022, thank you for your question. A personalized consultation is needed to make a surgical plan that takes into account your expectations regarding the outcome. My opinion is that the breast tissue must be reconstructed after removal of the capsule and prosthesis during explantation surgery. As a result, neither the breast nor the result are deformed or deflated. Every ten years, prostheses should be changed. A permanent alternative is to augment the volume of your breast with your own fat. However, it is prudent to wait approximately 3 months after the explant. For more information and recommendations, it is best to consult with one or several board certified plastic surgeons. Best wishes! Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS.

First, Allergan is not telling women who have textured implants to remove them. Second, your lifetime warranty covers breakage of the implant. If you bought the extended warranty at the time of surgery, the capsule is covered up to $3500 for the first ten years. Third, the lymphoma risk is rare, little over 300 women in the US, but have a mammogram to be checked if you are concerned. Fourth, you can see any plastic surgeon and asked to be checked.

You have a few options you can explore that will help you. The first is you can contact Allergan and they should be able to offer you information/advice on how to proceed with removal. The second thing to do is to make an appointment with a plastic surgeon in order to get evaluated for implant removal and capsulectomy. Your plastic surgeon should also be able to help you navigate through all this.

Hi jaycee2022,
Allergan implants only have a lifetime warranty for rupture. If implants are ruptured before 10 years they will pay £3000 plus the cost of the replacement implants (not the surgical or hospital fees). After 10 years they will only cover the cost of the implants themselves (not surgical or hospital fees).
Unfortunately, after 10 years there is no cover for capsular contracture so you would not get any help with this at all as capsular contracture is one of the most common complications with breast implants and no manufacturer gives a lifetime warranty for this.
Very sorry to hear you have what sounds like severe capsular contracture. It sounds like you will require revision surgery. Allergan implants have never been recalled (Allergan withdrew them from the market). No regulator has advised removal unless there are concerns about cancer.
Capsular contracture itself is not associated with an increased risk of cancer.
My advice to you is that you seek an opinion from a reputable BAAPS/ BAPRAS consultant plastic surgeon in your area.

You can contact Allergan directly for assistance. If you have your implant serial number and information that would be helpful. If you know the facility where you had the procedure performed, they can help locate your operative report if you don't have your implant information.

You can reach out to Allergan directly they should be able to direct you to a surgeon in your area. Best of luck.