In light of concerns raised about breast implant safety, particularly the link that has been highlighted between textured breast implants and a rare form of cancer known as Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a statement has been released by the three UK surgical specialty associations associated with breast surgery.

The British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS), the Association of Breast Surgery (ABS) and the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), fully support the breast implant safety statement made last November by the International Collaboration of Breast Registry Activities (ICOBRA).

In attempting to clarify any patient concerns about breast implant safety, ICOBRA pointed out that breast implants are safe, but they do have some serious, if very rare, side effects. BIA-ALCL is very rare – current data suggests the risk of developing this condition in the UK is approximately one in every 24,000 breast implants sold – and usually responds very well to treatment.

Texturing of a breast implant surface does have some benefits over smooth implants, particularly in relation to capsular contracture, and not all textured implants are manufactured in the same way so there are differing levels of risk. All potential risks associated with breast implant surgery will be discussed in full during your consultation with Mr Juling Ong before you make the decision to go ahead with surgery.

Breast implants are used in the UK for both breast reconstruction procedures after breast cancer and for aesthetic breast augmentation. If you have any concerns regarding your breast implants, then it is important to get in touch with your plastic surgeon to discuss these concerns in more depth.