Allergan Breast Implants - are they safe to use?

Question

I am getting a breast Augmentation end of march. My surgeon is suggesting 265 full projection allergen implants. I have seen some negative comments on Allergan implants and I am stressed. Are they safe to use after the recall? Is it a commonly used implant brand? Any feedback is appreciated!!

Semih Yildiz, MD, FEPOBRAS · Answer

Allergan is a commonly used implant manufacturer, but the important detail is the exact implant model and surface, especially whether it is smooth or textured. The recall concerns were mainly related to certain Allergan BIOCELL textured implants and their association with BIA-ALCL, so I would not judge all Allergan implants as the same category.
I would ask your surgeon for the full implant name, surface type, current approval status, warranty information, and why that implant fits your breast width and goals. Every implant has tradeoffs; the decision should include rupture, capsular contracture, infection, lymphoma/BIA-ALCL discussion, and the likelihood of future revision surgery.

Muge Sevindik, MD · Answer

A recall was issued for Allergan implants. Therefore, it is no longer very safe to use them. Because they have a macro-textured structure, they carry a risk of lymphoma in the future, so they are not widely used anymore, and I do not recommend their use. Nano-textured implants should be preferred.

Gary DeCesare, MD · Answer

The allergan recall in 2019 only involved their implants with a specific textured coating. It did not apply to their smooth implants. Smooth breast implants are generally the type that are used for breast augmentation and are safe to use.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Allergan devices are very safe and are among the most commonly used devices available. Allergan, Mentor and Motiva are the biggest player in the marketplace. Allergan likely controls nearly 15% of the marketshare.

The recall was on textured devices which are no longer available.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

The recall was regarding textured implants. The FDA has approved the smooth surfaced implants. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Vasileios Vasilakis, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
Thank you for the question. 
I wish you the best. Allergan implants that are smooth in their surface (i.e. not textured) are commonly used.
Vasileios Vasilakis, MD, FACSDouble Board Certified Plastic SurgeonHouston, TX.

Jacob Carlson, MD · Answer

The Allergan implants that were recalled were the "Biocell textured implants." There were recalled because of their association with a majority of a very rare kind of lymphoma called "Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). There were cases of BIA-ALCL that were found in patients with other kinds of implants, but most of them were with this particular kind of implant. Based on the research that has been done, we think that the development of this lymphoma was due to the textured surface of the implant. Allergan no longer makes this textured implant.
The most commonly used implant in the United States for breast augmentation cases are Allergan and Mentor implants. Another company called Motiva recently (September 2024) got FDA approval for their implants to be used for breast augmentation as well.
I would encourage you to talk with your surgeon about the different implant options, but I would reassure you that despite the publicity that the Biocell textured implants received, Allergan has done the right thing by not producing those implants anymore.

M. Mark Mofid, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there and thank you for your question. Allergan is a very reliable company to get implants from. They have very low rupture and complication rates. The implants that were recalled were the textured implants that are no longer on the market. Best of luck to you!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Allergan implants are very common and safe to use for breast augmentation.  The recalled implants were textured and found to carry a higher risk of BIA-ALCL. This was associated with specific models of the implants.  The smooth implants are not included in the recall.  I encourage you to discuss your concerns with your surgeon.

Allergan Breast Implants - are they safe to use?

Answers (9)

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