Popular Breast implants linked to cancer have been withdrawn
What does this mean for Australia? Leading Plastic Surgeon explains.
BAPRAS (British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons issued a statement yesterday (last night in Australia).
The CE certificate for textured breast implants and tissue expanders manufactured by Allergan (Microcell ® and Biocell ®) expired on 16 December 2018.
The MHRA has advised that Allergan has stopped selling these implants and expanders, and intends to withdraw all remaining supply in European markets.
https://www.gov.uk/government/
BAPRAS advises that any of these implants manufactured from 17 December 2018 onwards must not be used.
Implants manufactured before 17 December 2018 remain CE marked and therefore could be used. However, before doing so, you should consider if it is wise to use an implant or expander that is no longer being manufactured and is being withdrawn, You must discuss the issue with any patient in whom you are considering using one of these textured expanders or implants, and should give them the choice of using another implant or postponing their surgery.
Dr Ross Farahdieh, one of Australia and the world’s leading plastic surgeons, states: “The latest study that’s has sparked all of this is from MD Anderson in Texas about 90000 patients were followed up and complications were compiled and noted.”
Australian plastic surgeon, Dr Farhadieh, is triple board qualified in Australia, the UK and Europe. He also edits a global plastic surgery textbook.
His advice for Australians who have implants or who are thinking about getting implants in the near future:
What to do if you have breast implants?
Dr Farhadieh advises woman who have breast implants and who are concerned that they may be at risk to find out the following:
Find out if your implant is textured or not?
Find out who the manufacturer of your implant is?
Find out what the serial number of the implant is?
If you are planning to get breast implants and want to stay safe.
Dr Farhadieh advises: “Your surgeon should be able to give you a suitable snapshot of what is available and what is out there so any decision is made based on the evidence.”