Update for our patients regarding BIA-ALCL – as of 20 December 2016

Breast Implant Associated – Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma, BIA-ALCL, is a rare form of cancer that seems to have an association with certain types of textured breast implants.

The current risk for BIA-ALCL is low, recent research suggesting it may be in the range of 1 in 5000 to 1 in 50,000. By comparison the general risk of breast cancer for women is 1 in 9. Our surgeons and staff continue to closely monitor the latest research and advice from respected organisations. The commonest presentation of this rare disease is a change in size of the involved breast.

Our advice to patients who are concerned about the risks of BIA-ALCL and have had breast implant surgery with us in the past, is to make an appointment to see your surgeon and discuss the issues with them. Otherwise we encourage all our patients follow health department guidelines for mammograms and breast self- examination.

If you wish to understand more about BIA-ALCL and keep up-to-date with the current information, we recommend looking to the following websites:

1. The NZ Association of Plastic Surgeons.
2. The Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons.
3. Medsafe in New Zealand and the TGA in Australia are the regulatory bodies in our two countries that monitor the safety of medical devices. Their latest advice can be found on-line.