Separating Myth from Reality in Breast Implants: An Overview of 30 Years of Experience.

SUMMARY: The purpose of this article is to review the pivotal events in the history of breast implants in the United States, including the events leading to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration moratorium on the use of silicone gel implants and subsequent approval; the emergence of breast implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL); and persistent concerns about an association between breast implants, autoimmune disease, and systemic symptoms. This article reviews the medical literature to outline our current knowledge on BIA-ALCL; offers recommendations for diagnosis and management of symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with textured implants; and reviews the science of potential associations of implants with autoimmune and systemic symptoms. The authors hope to help patients separate myths from reality and make educated decisions on having breast implants placed or removed.

A Cautionary Tale and Update on Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large T-cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) was first recognized by the World Health Organization in 2016. The total number of cases worldwide continues to increase, with >800 cases confirmed through a combination of Food and Drug Administration data, verified reports, and registries. To date, 33 deaths have been reported. Typical presentation includes a late seroma containing monoclonal T cells that are CD30 positive and anaplastic lymphoma kinase negative. We present a review of the current literature and report on 3 cases of BIA-ALCL at our institution, which serve to illustrate our approach to diagnosis and management of this disease. In 2 cases, the diagnosis of BIA-ALCL was not initially confirmed due to an incomplete workup but was recognized upon explantation. The seroma fluid was sent for flow cytometry. Initially, the cells were reported as morphologically suspicious for malignancy with phenotypically normal T cells based on standard CD3+ T-cell gating. Subsequent cytology specimens were reported as consistent with recurrent adenocarcinoma. However, upon regating of flow-cytometry data, a population of CD30+, CD3- T cells was noted and the diagnosis of BIA-ALCL was confirmed by immunohistochemical stains of the excised breast capsule specimen. Given the increasing incidence of this disease, as plastic surgeons we must stay informed to order the correct workup to avoid misdiagnosis and be prepared to appropriately refer affected patients to centers with multidisciplinary teams experienced in the management of BIA-ALCL.

Breast Implant Illness: A Way Forward.

The link between breast implants and systemic disease has been reported since the 1960s. Although many studies have looked at either supporting or refuting its existence, the issue still persists and has now been labeled "breast implant illness." The rise of patient advocacy and communication through social media has led to an increasing number of presentations to plastic surgeons. This article summarizes the history of breast implants and systemic disease, critically analyzes the literature (and any associated deficiencies), and suggests a way forward through systematic scientific study.

Management of Asymptomatic Patients With Textured Surface Breast Implants.

With the recent voluntary recall by Allergan of their Biocell textured implants, many plastic surgeons are left with questions of how to best manage asymptomatic patients who have concerns about having these devices. We realized that there is no clear, published recommendations or scientific data to guide surgeons on how to discuss options with their patients and recommendations for surgical management in this uncharted territory. Using available literature and personal experience, we answer the most common questions we are hearing from our plastic surgery colleagues.