There’s been a fair bit of media attention on breast implants and Breast Implant-Associated Lymphoma or BIA-ALCL lately but there are some breast implant companies who are already way in front when it comes to research and designing their implants to reduce chances of breast implant bacterial contamination therefore lowering the risk of BIA-ALCL. Spiran, who supply one of the latest generation implants, Motiva implants, talk to us about their unique breast implant design and their innovative strategies to help reduce the incidence of BIA-ALCL.
The difference between implants
Implants come in different designs. These differences include things like:
- Shell thickness (the outer layer protecting the gel/contents of the implant)
- Shell Surface (Nano Surface, Smooth, Micro-Textured, Macro-Textured)
- Amount of fill inside (this can affect what is known as the “rippling” factor)
- Cohesiveness (density of fill)
- Shape (round, teardrop, etc.)
- Size (B cup, GGG cup, etc.)
- Fill (saline, silicone or highly cohesive silicone – also known as “gummy bear” implants)
It is the differences between the smooth and textured implants where the concern lies. A representative of Spiran clarifies, “A number of hypotheses have been put forth to explain the genesis of BIA-ALCL. Recent study findings have highlighted that higher surface area macro-textured implant surfaces potentially carry a significantly higher risk of developing BIA-ALCL. These studies also demonstrate a higher degree of biofilm formation in macro-textured implants, likely due to an increase in surface area and depth of texturing on implant surfaces. Furthermore, a chronic T-cell inflammatory infiltrate was present in studied textured implants infected with biofilm. This finding might point to chronic immune activation as a result of subclinical infection. This has potential implications for other concerns such as BIA-ALCL.”
Motiva Implants
All Motiva implants are made with their new age silk surface nanotechnology – produced using a unique manufacturing method without using added processing materials. This increases its biocompatibility (the ability of the material to be accepted by the body without prompting an inflammatory response from the existing breast tissues which is said to increase your risk of BIA-ALCL). Not only that, each contact point of the Motiva Implant surface is pre-determined and smaller than a single cell which influences cellular behaviour and doesn’t cause the inflammatory process to progress, again reducing your risk of BIA-ALCL.
What it comes down to, is being aware of what implants your surgeon will be using for your breast augmentation. Ask them during your consultation if they use the latest Motiva nano-surfaced implants and feel free to openly discuss your options. BIA-ALCL can also be reduced by the surgeon following a well recognised 14 point plan and using the Keller Funnel, that should be followed during the procedure and insertion of the implants, so you might want to check your surgeon is across this as well.
You might like to read our recent article on the link between breast implants and BIA-ALCL, or to read more about Motiva and their range of implants click here.
Check out these blogs:
Next generation in breast implants is here
Motiva Breast Implants – an interview with Dr Niamh Corduff