What is the risk of the onset of BII along with BIA-ALCL for Mentor Memory Gel?

Thank you for your thoughtful question. It is important to understand the difference between the terms "BIAI" (Breast Implant Associated Illness) versus "BIA-ALCL" ( Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma). BIAI is a controversial term used to describe a clinical presentation of any multitude of signs or symptoms that may be found in a woman with breast implants (usually silicone gel filled but also possibly saline filled). The reason BIAI is controversial is because there is no clear proof that breast implants are "immunogenic" or can indeed stimulate an immunology response by the human body. The most current thinking that there may be a small subset of women who may be more prone to react to (usually a silicone gel filled) breast implant. This needs tone understood within the context of millions of women around the world who are enjoying a healthy quality of life WITH their breast implants without any evidence of BIAI. The second condition, BIA-ALCL is specifically related to a rare late onset type of inflammatory process that constitutes a low grade cancer that is associated with a specific textured surface of the breast implant. There are two basic categories of implant shell surfaces-one is smooth (like a beach ball or bowling ball), and the other is textured (like most basketballs). Only the textured surface implants  of primarily one single manufacturer (NOT Mentor) have been associated with this rare yet serious condition, and it does not relate to the gel, but rather to the surface of the shell or envelope or "bag" that container the gel, or the saline. This is a lot of detailed and complicated information to absorb, and it is therefore best that you supplement your own research with a consultation in person by an experienced board certified plastic surgeon. Most patients your age would probably do really well with a saline filled implant, but this can only be determined after evaluating you in person with a detailed history and physical examination.All of the major implant manufacturers offer both saline filled and silicone gel filled implants, and one manufacturer ("IDEAL") has developed a novel implant design which is saline filled yet has more of a feel similar to silicone gel filled implants. The main advantage of saline filled implants is that they are adjustable to correct any minor asymmetries, and if they were to leak one day, which is indeed a distinct possibility, your body simply absorbs the harmless salt water which has an electrolyte balance similar to your own body's blood. A ruptured silicone gel filled implant may require more extensive surgery to remove the implant and its contents. The main disadvantage of saline filled implants is that they tend to make the breast feel a bit firmer than a silicone gel filled implant might. Continue to do your research and you will hopefully make the best decision for yourself, with the guidance of your plastic surgeon. Best of luck to you. 

Breast implant lymphoma is pretty rare but usually associated with textured silicone implants. The risk is much lower with smooth implants and even lower with saline.

All the studies and data on ALCL point directly to the texturing on some implant shells, of which Allergan/ Natrelle have 95% of the cases due to their aggressive texturing.  Because of this, their textured implants have been removed from the market.  There has never been an ALCL case in a smooth shelled implant, and that is the predominant shell type used for breast augmentations.  With a smooth shelled implant, your ALCL risk should be as close to zero as possible regardless of manufacturer.  The best thing to do is to come for a few consultations with board certified plastic surgeons and see what will work best for you.  I hope this helps.

The risks of BIA-ALCL is very low in textured implants. In over 35 million women with implants, around 620 women worldwide have had this lymphoma. Most of these lymphomas have not been reported in Mentor implants, and not in smooth implants.

Your questions are important and should be addressed by your Plastic Surgeon.  All the recent studies and data suggests that the risk of developing ALCL was associated with textured implants, which have been removed from the market.  The current Mentor Memory gel or Allergan Cohesive gel implants are all smooth wall and have not been associated with any current risk of ALCL.  BII is a somewhat controversial term for a whole collection of symptoms and diseases thought to be caused by implants.  It is unclear as to the direct connection between implants and these diseases.  The support groups believe there is a direct link.  Most plastic surgeons have removed implants on patients with symptoms, and some improve, others do not.  I discuss all these issues with potential surgical patients and make sure they understand the potential risks.  It has not stopped me from performing augmentation, and I have seen very few cases in thousands of augmentations.