Various media have asked questions about the (un)safety of breast implants in the past year. “Several complaints are associated with implants. The question is whether this is justified,” says Drs. Paula Roossink. “We know a lot about the safety of implants, but a lot is still unclear. In particular, much is written in the media about Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma and Autoimmune Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants (ASIA), also known as misunderstood systemic complaints”.
Are there any risks associated with breast implants?
“Breast implants are safe, but there are both short-term and long-term risks. This concerns the following risks:
- infection
- rupture
- capsularization
- Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL)
- misunderstood systemic complaints, also known as Autoimmune Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants (ASIA) or Breast Implant Illness (BII))
The latter in particular have been in the news a lot lately.”
ALCL
“Incidence in ALCL is 1 in 7,000 by age 75. Where the lymphoma is more seen with certain textured implants. It is known that approximately 20% smooth and 80% textured implants are used in Europe. The origin of BIA-ALCL is still unclear, but studies show that a relatively larger number of BIA-ALCL cases are related to macro-textured Biocell prostheses compared to other textured or smooth prostheses. This concerns implants of the brand Allergan, McGhan. Textured implants of this brand are no longer placed in the Netherlands. Additional examination or removal of implants is only indicated in women with complaints that consist of a breast enlargement in a short time with a breast prosthesis due to body fluids or a new, growing lump in the breast”.
ASIA-BIIA
“Some patients attribute physical complaints and illnesses, for example unexplained systemic complaints, to their breast implants. Scientific research to date has not shown a convincing causal relationship. There are many patients active on social media who make themselves heard about this topic on blogs and Instagram. Unfortunately, a lot of advice and information is given about this for which there is no evidence whatsoever. Patients with these kinds of complaints can be referred to one of our internists. However, we indicate that there is no scientific evidence for the causal relationship, let alone a diagnosis or treatment. A consultation is then mainly intended to exclude other possible underlying causes”.
Patients with implants who have complaints are advised to see a plastic surgeon. Learn more about this subject? On Thursday evening 2 April, Edin Hajder will discuss this subject during the general practitioner training of the Jan van Goyen Medical Center in the St. Ignatius College, the invitation for this will follow.
