If you have questions regarding the safety of Allergan’s breast implants, please contact our Medical Information team who can help address your questions at MR‑MedicalInformation@Allergan.com or 1‑800‑668‑6424.
Are silicone implants safe to use?
Silicone is used safely in many medical devices and products, including pacemakers and heart valves, artificial joints, medical tubing, as well as everyday household items like baking pans, detergents and fabrics. Silicone gel-filled breast implants are arguably the most studied medical devices in the world – there have been decades of research evaluating the safety and effectiveness of silicone implants. Silicone implants have been used extensively throughout the world, and are thought to look and feel natural. Read more about silicone breast implants
What are the potential complications with silicone implants?
Rupture
Breast implants are not lifetime devices. Breast implants can rupture when the shell develops a tear or hole. Ruptures are more likely to occur the longer the implant is implanted. If your surgeon determines you have signs of rupture, you should discuss with him or her having the implant and any gel removed, with or without replacement of the implant.
After 6 years with NATRELLE® 410 implants, only 1 in 22 implants inserted ruptured. After 10 years, only 1 in 17 implants inserted ruptured.
Capsular contracture
The scar tissue (capsule) that normally forms around the implant may tighten and squeeze the implant, making your breast feel firmer and sometimes painful. This is called capsular contracture. Capsular contracture occurs more commonly in revision-reconstruction than in primary-reconstruction.
After 6 years after primary-reconstruction with NATRELLE® 410 implants, about 1 in 9 patients experienced capsular contracture. After 10 years, about 1 in 7 experienced capsular contracture.
Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL)
Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is an extremely rare type of cancer that begins in the cells of the immune system. It can occur in children and adults, including women with or without breast implants. Over the last two decades, there have been rare reports of ALCL occurring in women with breast implants. This has led the medical community to recognize a new and different type of ALCL, referred to as Breast Implant-Associated ALCL or BIA-ALCL for short.
BIA-ALCL should not be confused with breast cancer, and recent studies have found no causal link between breast implants and the development of primary breast cancer.
Since BIA-ALCL was first identified, fewer than 200 total cases have been reported globally. In addition, most cases of BIA-ALCL resolve after a surgical procedure to remove the breast implant. Very rarely, chemotherapy or radiation treatment may be needed. For more information consult your doctor.
Are the NATRELLE® Collection Breast Implants covered by a warranty?
Yes. As a recipient of NATRELLE® style breast implants, you are already protected against rupture or deflation under our ConfidencePlus® Warranty program. The ConfidencePlus® Warranty includes lifetime product replacement in addition to 10 years of up to $1,200 guaranteed financial assistance for out-of-pocket expenses not covered by insurance. By upgrading to the ConfidencePlus® Premier Warranty for a $200 enrolment fee, you can get enhanced protection. In addition to your lifetime product replacement, our ConfidencePlus® Premier Warranty guarantees 10 years of contralateral replacement and financial assistance with up to $2,400 in out-of-pocket expenses not covered by insurance.
Do breast implants cause breast cancer to occur or reoccur?
Reports in the medical literature indicate that patients with breast implants are not at a greater risk than those without breast implants for developing breast cancer. Women with breast implants are still able to have accurate mammograms, though it may be more difficult. Women should ask to have their mammography exams performed and interpreted at centres experienced in the evaluation of women with breast implants. Other breast screening exams such as ultrasound and MRI can also be performed when necessary.
Can breast implants impact a mother’s ability to breastfeed?
Studies have shown that mothers with breast implants do not have higher levels of silicone concentration in their breast milk than women who do not have breast implants. Many women with breast implants have successfully breastfed their children. However, breast surgery of any kind has the potential to impact lactation ability. Your plastic surgeon will discuss your options for incision placement, implant position and other factors that could affect future breastfeeding. For more information, please read the complete patient information.
How will breast implants affect having mammograms?
Women with breast implants are still able to have mammograms, though it may be more difficult. Women should ask to have their mammography exams performed and interpreted at centres experienced in the evaluation of women with breast implants. Other breast screening exams such as ultrasound and MRI can also be performed when necessary. For more information, please read the complete patient information.
How long will my implants last?
While most women are happy with their implants, bodies and lifestyles change over time. Some women choose to remove them or replace them with an implant that is better suited to them today. Like any other medical device, breast implants are not considered lifetime devices, and women with implants will potentially undergo implant removal, with or without replacement, over the course of their lives. Learn more about the quality of NATRELLE® silicone product
How much will it cost for me to have breast implants?
The cost of breast augmentation surgery will depend on your surgeon, where the operation is performed, and the type of implant you choose to have.
In Canada, breast reconstruction after a mastectomy is covered by provincial health plans. However, breast implants are not lifetime devices and will need to be replaced. Speak with your doctor to discuss the options available to you.
