The textured breast implants that have been linked to a rare form of atypical lymphoma, Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) have now been removed from the European market.
The recall of the Microcell and Biocell implants, which are manufactured by global pharmaceutical company Allergan, came after the French national agency for the safety of medicine and health products (ANSM) said it was suspending the CE mark for these specific products. The implants can no longer be manufactured or sold in Europe and those held at clinics are being recalled.
Paul Harris, president of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) commented, “The news that Allergan’s CE mark for their Biocell textured surface implants has not been renewed will be a cause for understandable concern for many patients, particularly those who have implants currently in place. It is important however to recognise that this is a pre-cautionary step taken by the regulators whilst the link between breast implant surface and BIA-ALCL becomes clear.”
He continued, “We advise any patients with new symptoms such as swelling or pain to contact their implant surgeon for specific advice, otherwise they should make a routine appointment when available to discuss their concerns.”
