Breast Implant Complications and Concerns

Breast augmentation is the most common cosmetic surgery in the United States.  However, not all surgical procedures go smoothly.  Just like any surgical procedure, breast augmentation can lead to serious complications and the breast implants themselves can cause serious illnesses and injuries.  If you or a loved one have received breast implants and are experiencing complications of any kind, we can help provide answers.

Currently, thousands of women are concerned about the Allergan breast implant recall.  Our attorneys are here to field questions and give you the information you need to move forward.

Allergan Textured Breast Implant Recall

In July, 2019, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) requested a recall of textured breast implants manufactured by pharmaceutical company Allergan. The FDA cited evidence that shows an overwhelming correlation between Allergan’s BIOCELL® textured implants and the development of a rare cancer called breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).

While this may be an extreme case, those who have breast implants may be subject to other serious harms resulting from complications and other defects in breast implants. If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury or developed cancer as a result of your breast implants, we can help. As a joint collaboration between Panish Shea & Boyle LLP and Bentley & More LLP, we are reaching out to patients adversely affected by the Allergan recall, or experiencing any other breast-implant-related issues.

What is the Allergan Breast Implant Recall?

The recall of the Allergan BIOCELL® textured breast implants stems from an analysis of BIA-ALCL cases through the past few years. According to the FDA, of 573 cases of BIA-ALCL, 481 instances involved the placing of Allergan textured breast implants – over 84% of all cases.

BIA-ALCL is a painful type of lymphoma that develops in the scar tissue and other fluids surrounding the implant. Although the survival rate is quite high, this is only if diagnosis is prompt – and it may take up to 10 years for symptoms to appear, which include:

• Swelling near implants
• Pain and tenderness near implant sites
• Unexplained skin irritation
• Sudden fatigue

It is important to note that Allergan continued to sell BIOCELL® implants in the United States despite recalls in Canada 2 months ago and in Europe over 7 months ago. We believe that in continuing to sell these implants despite knowing the risks shows gross negligence on the part of Allergan. As a result, they should be held liable for any damages that resulted from the implants.

Other Breast Implant Injuries

We will gladly hear any other cases of breast implant injuries that you may have as well. Although implants as a whole are fairly safe, many may be subject to adverse effects, including:

• Capsular Contracture. Although scar tissue around breast implants is normally expected during the healing process, in some cases the tissue can turn into hard fibrous tissue that tightens around the implants. Called capsular contracture, this can cause significant pain, which can only be relieved through corrective surgery.
• Breast Tissue Expanders. Tissue expanders are a common way to prepare a patient’s chest for breast implants – usually occurring after a mastectomy. However, some tissue expanders (such as Allergan’s BIOCELL® tissue expanders) are textured, carrying the same risks of BIA-ALCL as their textured breast implants.
• Rupture & Leakage. One study found that up to 64% of silicone implant ruptures are due to damage during surgery. Ruptures and leaks can cause swelling and chronic pain; if the implant is silicone-based, the silicone can spread to other parts of the body, which may result in rare complications such as granulomas forming throughout the body.
• Other Breast Implant Complications

Often, many of these complications develop due to medical malpractice, medical error, or some other form of negligence on the part of a medical professional.

How We Can Help You Secure Compensation

In cases involving recalled products and serious injuries, an experienced attorney can be invaluable in your fight to secure compensation. A lawyer can:

• Negotiate claims on your behalf, ensuring you receive the attention (and compensation) you are entitled.
• Investigate to see if there are any other individuals who have been impacted the same way. If so, they can turn your claim into a mass tort claim, allowing you to seek higher settlements as a result.
• Handle all of the legal work while you can focus on healing and recovery.
• Utilize our experience and resources to go up against large corporations without fear of intimidation or being overpowered.

Our attorneys have a proven record of results against large companies. We have some of the largest verdicts in Southern California history, including several multimillion-dollar verdicts against medical device and drug manufacturers.

Contact Us Today

If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries due to the negligence of breast implant manufacturers or medical professionals, we are here to help you secure the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation and see how we can use our experience and knowledge to help you achieve success.