US reviews breast implant safety
Health officials in the US are currently reviewing the safety of breast implants after they’ve been recently linked to a rare type of cancer. Experts from the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), took part in a two-day meeting with plastic surgeons, researchers, implant makers and women experiencing issues they believe were caused because of their implants.
As it stands, the FDA isn’t making any recommendations. However, it is trying to establish how to deal with the recent cancer link.
The cancer-breast implant link
A recent study identified a link between breast implants and a rare type of cancer known as Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma. It isn’t breast cancer, instead, it attacks the immune system, forming around the scar tissue left behind from implant surgery.
The cancer is known to be slow-growing, and removing the implants tends to successfully treat it. The trouble is, regulators from the FDA claim it is virtually impossible to determine how common the cancer is because the US doesn’t track how many implants are on the market. Rough estimates are that the condition affects anything from 1 in 3,000 to 1 in 30,000 women.
Breast implants also blamed for other ailments
It’s not just the cancer link which has caused the FDA to review the safety of breast implants. Thousands of women have come forward to claim their implants have been responsible for numerous ailments. These include muscle pain, chronic fatigue and rheumatoid arthritis.
However, in the review, the FDA couldn’t find enough evidence to link breast implants to these additional ailments.
Understanding breast implant risks
Seeing these scare stories in the media can, understandably, leave patients feeling concerned if they are contemplating a breast augmentation procedure or have already undergone one. During your consultation with London cosmetic surgeon Mr Paul Tulley, he will explain in full all possible risks and complications before you decide to go ahead with surgery.
If you like to arrange a breast augmentation consultation or wish to discuss your concerns in more detail, call us on 020 7183 1559.
