How Breast Implant Surface Type Is Influenced by Breast Implant-associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: A Survey of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

INTRODUCTION: Breast implant selection is multifactorial and must assess risk profiles of the implants. Textured implants are available in an anatomically shaped form and are thought to have lower rates of capsular contracture. However, evidence is mounting that they carry a significantly higher risk of breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Given this relationship, we aimed to assess breast implant preferences and device selection for members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).

METHODS: An online survey of all active members of ASPS was performed. Questions analyzed the surgeons' demographic data as well as implant and tissue expander choices for patients receiving either breast augmentation or reconstruction. Logistic regression models of summarized data were used to assess surgeons' implant choices.

RESULTS: The survey was sent to 5000 members and was completed by 824 for a response rate of 16.5%. Demographic data indicate a homogenous sampling of ASPS members from all geographical areas. A majority of surgeons reported that they perform 21-50 implant cases in the last year (n = 219, 28.5%), followed closely by surgeons performing greater than 100 cases (n = 194, 25.3%) and those placing between 51 and 100 (n = 189, 24.6%). Almost one-half of respondents (n = 361, 46.9%) stated that the majority (>50%) of the implants they placed were for cosmetic purposes. Conversely, 306 (37.9%) respondents stated that the majority of implants they placed were for reconstructive purposes and 102 (13.3%) respondents indicated equal placement of cosmetic and reconstructive implants. There were 40.9% (n = 318) surgeons who continue to use textured implants, whereas 59.1% (n = 460) report using only smooth implants. This data includes 47.7% (n = 363) of respondents who report switching to only smooth implants due to awareness of breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).

CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of BIA-ALCL continues to rise. All known cases have some link to textured implants. With equally efficacious alternatives available with smooth implants, surgeons and patients are altering their implant choices.