Do I Have a Case for an Allergan Breast Implant Lawsuit?
We count on medical device companies to create safe products that can enhance our health, appearance, and well being. When these companies create defective or dangerous products, it puts lives on the line. People affected by defective medical devices should reach out to our Brooklyn, NY, personal injury lawyers to discuss a potential product liability lawsuit.
The team at Zuker & Regev, P.C. would like to focus on Allergan’s BIOCELL® textured breast implants and tissue expanders. Recalled by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2019, these breast implants increase the risk of an immune system cancer known as breast-implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).
About BIA-ALCL
BIA-ALCL is a type of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It is not a type of breast cancer, but rather a type of cancer that affects the immune system. BIA-ALCL is typically found in the fluid and scar tissue located around a breast implant, though it’s possible for BIA-ALCL to spread into different parts of the body.
The FDA first identified a link between implants and the development of BIA-ALCL in 2011. As of this writing, the FDA has recorded 733 confirmed cases of BIA-ALCL, and 36 deaths due to BIA-ALCL.
Symptoms of BIA-ALCL
Symptoms of BIA-ALCL include:
- Swelling of the breast(s)
- Enlarged breast size
- Changes in breast symmetry
- Breast pain and discomfort
- Redness of the breast(s)
- Lumps forming on the breast or in the armpit
Allergan Breast Implant Recall
On July 24, 2019, the FDA requested that Allergan voluntarily recall both their BIOICELL textured breast implants and tissue expanders. The FDA cited the higher risk of BIA-ALCL. There is a risk of BIA-ALCL for patients with any kind of textured breast implant. However, the risk of the condition is approximately six times higher for patients with Allergan BIOCELL breast implants.
Allergan complied with the FDA’s request, removing all of these items from the market. Allergan also ceased further production of their textured implants and tissue expanders.
List of Recalled Implants and Tissue Expanders
Below is a list of the recalled implants and tissue expanders from Allergan:
- Allergan Natrelle Saline-Filled Breast Implants (Styles 163, 168, 363, 468)
- Allergan Natrelle Silicone-Filled Textured Breast Implants (Styles 110, 115, 120, TRL, TRLP, TRM, TRF, TRX, TCL, TCLP, TCM, TCF, TCX, TSL, TSLP, TSM, TSF, TSX)
- Natrelle 410 Highly Cohesive Anatomically Shaped Silicone Filled Breast Implants (Styles 410FM, 410FF, 410MM, 410MF, 410FL, 410ML, 410LL, 410LM, 410LF, 410FX, 410MX, 410LX)
- Natrelle 133 Plus Tissue Expander
- Natrelle 133 Tissue Expander with Suture Tabs
What Should I Do If I Have Allergan Breast Implants?
If you underwent breast augmentation surgery or any breast enhancement procedure that incorporated implants, be sure to check with your plastic surgeon about what type of implants were used. If it was a textured implant, be mindful of any potential BIA-ALCL symptoms you may have experienced and speak with your physician about any concerns you may have.
- If you experience any BIA-ALCL symptoms, it’s important to consult with a plastic surgeon about potential implant removal surgery.
- If you do NOT have any symptoms of BIA-ALCL, you do not have to get your breast implants removed. Continue to monitor for symptoms of BIA-ALCL.
Should I Speak with an Attorney About Breast Implant Litigation?
We encourage you to speak with an attorney at our Brooklyn law office if:
- You were diagnosed with BIA-ALCL
- You underwent breast implant removal after being diagnosed with BIA-ALCL
- You lost a loved one because of BA-ALCL
Contact Our Law Firm to Learn More
If you or a member of your household has been harmed by a defective breast implant, our team of attorneys is here to help. You can send our law firm a message online or call our Brooklyn law office at (718) 624-1211.