Textured Breast Implants

This is a super hot topic in plastic surgery today.  Should textured breast implants (implants with a sandpapery, not smooth surface) continue to be used?

The major issue with textured breast implants is their connection with a very rare type of cancer of the scar tissue surrounding the implant – BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma).  This is a typically slow growing cancer that usually appears five or more years after the implant is placed.

As of this writing, every single confirmed case of BIA-ALCL has involved the current or previous use of a textured breast implant.  After learning this, I have discontinued use of textured breast implants in my practice.

Please note that there are many other plastic surgeons throughout the country and the world who continue to use textured breast implants for their patients.  Many of these are doctors whom I have the utmost respect for.  This is a decision each plastic surgeon makes with his/her patients based off the risk to benefit ratio.

However, for me and my patients, I will not use textured breast implants given their risk of BIA-ALCL, no matter how small the risk may be or how much my patient may want them.

For these reasons, Textured Breast Implants are on my Holistic Beauty Blacklist.

To learn more about BIA-ALCL, please view my video below.

To learn more about breast augmentation, please click HERE.

Note: This is based solely on the opinions of Dr. Youn, which do not necessarily reflect the opinions of all doctors or the standard of care in your area. Before you undergo any invasive cosmetic treatment, make sure you consult with a real board-certified plastic surgeon.