Women may seek out breast augmentation after weight loss, pregnancy, or as they age. Whatever the reason, women are entitled to a smooth and safe procedure. However, the Allergan Biocell textured breast implant may cause a specific type of lymphoma compared to other breast implants.
Our law firm is currently handling lawsuits on behalf of individuals who have received Allergan Biocell textured breast implants and have suffered serious injury and death.
Allergan Inc. is one of the largest manufacturers of breast implants in the world. The company manufactures teardrop-shaped implants, rounded-shaped implants, silicone-filled implants, and saline-filled implants. Recipients could also choose between Allergan’s smooth and textured implants. Smooth implants mimic natural breast tissue because the shells move under the skin. With textured implants, the tissue grows into the shell and holds it in place. Brand name Allergan Biocell textured breast implants include McGhan, Inamed, and Natarelle.
People with Allergan Biocell textured breast implants may develop breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). This rare form of cancer is not breast cancer, but it is actually a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The cancer cells begin in the scar tissue and fluid surrounding the implant but do not develop in the breast tissue. BIA-ALCL symptoms include breast pain, swelling, excess fluid, lumps, and scar tissue squeezing the implant. To treat BIA-ALCL, surgeons must remove the implant and tissue. Some patients may even have to receive radiation and chemotherapy. In some cases, BIA-ALCL is fatal. Doctors usually identify BIA-ALCL nine years after implant placement.
In July 2019, the FDA requested that Allergan Inc. voluntarily recall specific models of its textured breast implants. The FDA made this decision after discovering a link between textured breast implants and a rare cancer called breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). In an updated table, the FDA found 573 cases of BIA-ALCL globally. 481 were attributed to Allergan implants. Allergan Inc. complied with the FDA’s request and issued a recall of its Biocell textured implant products, including:
In May 2020, the FDA issued a warning letter to Allergan regarding its failure to finish post-market studies of the safety of its textured implants. The collection of data from patients was a condition of the FDA’s approval of the implant.
The FDA estimates hundreds of thousands of women have Biocell textured breast implants. As of September 2023, 1,196 Allergan textured breast implant lawsuits were filed in multidistrict litigation in New Jersey. These lawsuits allege Allergan concealed the cancer risks associated with its product and falsely claimed that textured implants are superior to smooth implants because they adhere better to tissue. Allergan offered to pay for replacement breast implants but not the surgery itself. However, this does not rectify the lifelong damage the textured implants inflicted upon many individuals.
If you or a loved one developed BIA-ALCL, you may recover compensation for any or all of the following:
While compensation cannot reverse the harm Allergan products caused you, a lawsuit will hold Allergan accountable for designing and promoting hazardous textured breast implants. Allergan did not conduct extensive testing of its texture implants to determine if the products were safe and also failed to warn patients of the possibility of developing BIA-ALCL.
The Lake Law Firm was founded by Edward J. Lake, Esq., a personal injury lawyer for over 25 years. Our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to seeking justice on behalf of those who have suffered injury or death due to the negligence of others. Our experienced attorneys handle many different types of pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, and other defective products. The lawyers in our firm have helped collect millions of dollars for their clients. The Lake Law Firm will advocate for you and your rights. Please contact us for a free confidential case evaluation at (888) 525-3529 or submit an inquiry on this page.
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