Abby Squires, a mother of three, underwent breast implant surgery in 2009, paying $6,700, to boost her confidence and self-image. She had textured breast implants by Allergan through Transform Medical Group in the UK and did not experience any issues until she recently discovered that they were part of a recalled type due to potential links to a rare cancer. Abby is now concerned about the risks posed by her implants and is worried about the possibility of developing symptoms in the future.
In 2019, Allergan initiated a global recall of Biocell textured breast implants which were found to be linked to breast implant-associated anaplastic large-cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a cancer of the immune system. The recall was a result of the US Food and Drug Administration’s findings on the association between the textured implants and the rare cancer. The risk of developing BIA-ALCL has mainly been reported in individuals with textured breast implants, highlighting the potential dangers of these cosmetic procedures.
Abby expressed her fears about the situation, especially given the lack of symptoms and potential uncertainty surrounding her specific type of implant without undergoing surgery. The financial burden of having the implants removed and replaced, estimated to be around $13,200 and not covered by the NHS, has left her unsure of what steps to take next. Despite the challenges, Abby hopes to raise awareness about breast implants and the risks associated with them, particularly for women who may be unaware of the potential health hazards.
While it is agreed internationally that asymptomatic patients do not need to have their silicone implants removed, individuals are advised to monitor for symptoms such as breast hardening, appearance changes, fatigue, lumps, swelling, and redness, which could indicate the presence of BIA-ALCL. Abby, who aspires to be crowned Ms Kent and Sussex in Miss Great Britain, is using her platform to educate others about breast implants and to reach out to women in the glamour industry who may have undergone similar cosmetic procedures.
Abby shares her concern for the thousands of women who may have textured breast implants and are unaware of the potential risks associated with them. She emphasizes the importance of educating individuals about the dangers of certain types of implants, as well as the necessity of being vigilant for any symptoms that may indicate the presence of BIA-ALCL. By raising awareness and sharing her story, Abby hopes to help other women who may be facing similar uncertainties and challenges related to their breast implants. Through her advocacy efforts, she aims to contribute to a broader conversation around breast implant safety and the importance of informed decision-making regarding cosmetic procedures.
