The impact of Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma on breast implant surgery: A European survey-based study

• Published in: Journal of plastic, reconstructive & aesthetic surgery reconstructive & aesthetic surgery, 2024-11, Vol.100, p.219-230
• Main Authors: Santanellidi Pompeo, Fabio, Firmani, Guido, Tornambene, Roberta, Marrella, Domenico, Mareş, Theodor, Sorotos, Michail
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aesthetic breast surgery; BIA-ALCL; Breast implant lymphoma; Breast implant survey; Implant selection practices; Reconstructive breast surgery
• ISSN: 1748-6815; 1878-0539; 1878-0539
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bjps.2024.11.018

Over the 27 years following the first report of Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), significant changes have been made in breast implant surgery trends. This study aimed to determine breast implant selection changes among European plastic surgeons. The European Association of Plastic Surgeons (EURAPS) promoted a digital survey to 31 national plastic surgery societies across Europe, which spread it to their members. The survey included 37 questions covering demographics, BIA-ALCL perception, current clinical practices, implant selection considerations, and satisfaction with information from health authorities and scientific societies. Anonymous responses were collected from February to April 2024. A total of 904 surgeons from 33 countries participated, 41.5% reported that BIA-ALCL concerns affected patient decisions. Awareness of BIA-ALCL was high (97.2%), with more than 85% approving the quality of information from European scientific societies. The awareness influenced implant texture preferences in both aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery (p