Press release from the Professional Board of Plastic Surgeons: Deeply concerned about the health of their patients, French plastic surgeons have been focused, since January 2011, on the issue of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), following information released by the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
French plastic surgeons work closely with their regulatory bodies (DGS, ANSM, InCA) and with international scientific societies (ASAPS).
While the topic is concerning, a sense of proportion must be kept, and the public should not be needlessly alarmed. BIA-ALCL is so rare that the risk is still very difficult to quantify. For the same reason, it is not possible to precisely identify the risk factors associated with this condition. In particular, the potential roles of implant surface texturing and genetic predisposition, both of which have been implicated, still require further study.
It should be recalled that pre-filled silicone gel breast implants have been used worldwide since 1962. Accused of increasing the frequency of autoimmune diseases, they were banned in France from January 28, 1992 to January 16, 2001. However, no worldwide epidemiological study had ever managed to substantiate these accusations. It would be unfortunate to repeat such a mistake today under the influence of emotion.
In both reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, the benefits that breast implants provide to patients currently far outweigh the risk of BIA-ALCL. This risk is so low that it does not justify preventive removal, regardless of the type or age of the implant. However exceptional, this risk is now part of the systematic information given to candidates for breast implantation, and all French plastic surgeons are familiar with the screening procedure.
They take this opportunity to remind everyone that all women with breast implants must be systematically and regularly monitored. In the absence of clinical or radiological abnormalities, however, there is no need to change the frequency or methods of annual monitoring.
Professional Board of Plastic Surgeons, March 17, 2015
The Professional Board of Plastic Surgeons (DPP) brings together the specialty's 5 professional bodies:
- The French Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (SoFCPRE) is the learned society that brings together all branches of the specialty.
- The French Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (SoFCEP) brings together plastic surgeons who predominantly practice cosmetic surgery.
- The French College of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (CFCPRE) is responsible for the initial and continuing training of plastic surgeons. It brings together all teachers in the specialty, whether academic or not.
- The National Union of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (SNCPRE) is responsible for defending professional interests.
- Plastirisq is the specialty's accreditation body with the French National Authority for Health.
