On July 24, 2019, the FDA issued a worldwide recall of Allergan breast implants. This is the first recall related to the increased risk of BIA-ALCL, but it may not be the last. If you have implants, you may wonder what you should do and how to move forward. Keep reading to learn what your options may be going forward.
What Problems Can Occur With Recalled Implants?
Textured models of Allergan breast implants have been linked to a rare form of cancer, Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, or BIA-ALCL. The FDA concluded that having certain types of breast implants can dramatically increase your risk for developing this condition. One of the biggest misunderstandings out there is that BIA-ALCL is breast cancer. It is not. It is a lymphoma that can affect different parts of the body, including the breasts, skin and lymph nodes.
Signs of BIA-ALCL include pain, masses or hardening around the implants, swelling, and fluid buildup.
Types of Breast Implants Affected
Affected types of breast implants that increase your risks of developing BIA-ALCL have been manufactured by Actavis, Allergan, Johnson & Johnson, Mentor and Sientra. They include both silicone gel or saline implants, as well as those with a smooth surface or a textured surface. These implants have been used for both cosmetic purposes and reconstructive purposes.What Should You Do if You Have Recalled Implants?
If you have recalled implants, you have a decision to make. Allergan announced it will replace their recalled breast implants with another type of breast implant not affected by the recall. However, they will only pay for the cost of the implant itself, not the actual surgery. As such, you have to decide whether you want to replace your current implants or remove them altogether. If you decide not to replace your Allergan implants, your implants may put you at a higher risk for BIA-ALCL. As such, you should familiarize yourself with the signs of this disease and seek medical help immediately if any signs appear. BIA-ALCL can take up to 10 years to develop after your initial breast implant surgery. You need to know the risks, not just immediately after your breast implantation, but for up to a decade after.How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help You?
Unfortunately, having implants and developing BIA-ALCL does not mean that your case is a slam dunk. A great Las Vegas personal injury attorney will need to be able to show the correlation between your implants and the development of your disease. Breast implants are not the only think that can cause BIA-ALCL, so a defense attorney will try to mitigate the risk of the manufacturer.
You need an aggressive attorney with experience proving and winning these types of case to represent you. An experienced personal injury lawyer will fight to show the link between your implants and the BIA-ALCL as part of a compensable case. This allows you to recover money for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.