Cosmetic Plastic Surgery Articles

Textured breast implants made by Allergan that have been linked to a rare cancer are being recalled in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

According to The New York Times, 573 cases and 33 deaths from the cancer have been reported worldwide, with 481 of the cases clearly attributed to the Allergan Biocell implants. Of the 33 deaths, the FDA said the type of implant was known in 13 cases, and in 12 of those the maker was Allergan.

While the Allergan breast implant recall is newsworthy, the cancer is rare, considering that millions of women have breast implants. Breast augmentation is perennially the most popular cosmetic surgery performed in the United States. In 2018, more than 313,000 procedures were performed, a 4% increase over 2017, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

The anaplastic large-cell lymphoma is a rare cancer of the immune system. It is usually found within the fibrous scar capsule near the implant or in the fluid surrounding the implant, according to the FDA. It is not in the breast tissue itself, and it is not breast cancer. Researchers have not been able to explain the link between the Allergan Biocell implants and the rare cancer, according to The New York Times.

However, in most cases, removing the implant and the scar tissue around it cures the cancer. But if it is not detected early, it can spread.

Do I need to do anything?

The main symptoms of the lymphoma are usually swelling and fluid accumulation around the implant. There may also be some tenderness, which shouldn’t be confused for post-surgery soreness. The latter is normal.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, see your plastic surgeon. If that’s not practical, consult another plastic surgeon near you. Either way, your doctor will likely recommend an ultrasound or MRI.

If you have Allergan Biocell implants, but no symptoms, you don’t need to have them removed, the FDA says. The recall means that doctors and hospitals should not implant any more of them and should return any in their inventory to Allergan.

Allergan Biocell Implants? What if I don’t know which kind of implants I have?

The contents of the implant, silicone or saline, are not a factor in the lymphoma, the FDA says. The shell, which can be either smooth or textured, is the key. Textured implants, which have a slightly roughened surface that adheres to breast tissue and helps hold the implant in place, have been singled out as the cause.

It’s important to note, however, that the recall only affects the Allergan Biocell textured implants, not all textured implants. The Allergan Biocell implants carry a risk that is about six times that of other textured implants sold in the United States, according to the FDA. Allergan’s textured implants account for only about 5% of the implants used in the United States, according to The New York Times.

If you’re not sure what kind of implants you have, consult your plastic surgeon. Again, if that’s not practical, see a plastic surgeon near you. Even if they can’t tell you the type, they’ll conduct a physical exam to see if you’re having any issues with your implants.

If you’ve spent any time at the shore this summer, you were probably at least a little distracted by your cellulite.

You’re far from alone. Cellulite affects nine out of 10 women, according to some estimates. And it’s the thing that most of them would most like to change about their bodies.

Cellulite is caused by a shortening of fibrous tissue cords in the skin, not as a side effect of weight gain, as is so often thought. The tightening pushes fatty tissue up to the skin’s surface, creating the notorious dimpling effect. It becomes more common with age, but it can appear as early as right after puberty in some women.

If you, like so many others, have fantasized about getting rid of your cellulite, allow me to introduce you to BodyTite, a state-of-the-art treatment that tightens skin and reduces fat in targeted areas of the body.

Less fat and tighter skin

So, what is BodyTite, exactly? It’s a minimally-invasive body contouring procedure that delivers the sort of results that previously were only possible through more invasive surgical procedures. Using radio frequency energy, BodyTite tightens skin, stimulates collagen production, and improves the contours of the body.

It’s being used to tighten and sculpt the abdomen, arms, breasts, thighs, love handles, and knees. It’s also an effective means of getting rid of cellulite.

A local anesthetic is administered to the treatment area. The plastic surgeon then inserts a small cannula that delivers the radio frequency energy through a tiny incision. The energy liquefies fat and makes the surrounding tissue and skin contract. The fat is then suctioned out through the cannula.

Long-lasting results

Aside from the virtually undetectable scars and total lack of stitches, BodyTite is considered to be an upgrade from liposuction because, while the latter effectively removes fat, a lift to remove the excess skin is also needed in many cases. BodyTite, by contrast, firms skin from 10% to 40%, which is enough to help skin bounce back if you’ve had 10 to 20 pounds removed.

It’s also an effective way to treat skin laxity resulting from childbirth or aging.

Because of the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, BodyTite patients also experience less bruising, too. You may feel a little sore around the treated area immediately after, but you should be back to normal within a few days, if not sooner.

It’s a relatively minimal investment considering the results can last for years. Envision all those summer days ahead, poolside or on the beach, and you’re enjoying yourself, not worrying whether your cellulite is showing.