Textured Breast Implants

Textured breast implants have a shell with a rough, textured surface instead of a smooth one. The texture was meant to help tissue grip the implant and reduce shifting. Most breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a rare cancer of the immune system that usually develops in scar tissue and fluid around the implant, has been reported in people with textured implants.

The FDA took action in 2019. On July 24, 2019, the FDA requested that Allergan voluntarily recall its Biocell textured breast implants and tissue expanders from the market because of the risk of BIA-ALCL. Allergan complied. The FDA did not recommend removing implants in people without symptoms.

The FDA continues to track reports. As of June 30, 2024, the FDA counted 64 deaths worldwide in medical device reports of BIA-ALCL; 34 of those reports involved textured implants and 29 did not specify the surface. A common first sign is swelling or a fluid buildup (seroma) around the implant, often years after surgery.

Lawsuits over textured implants have sought compensation for people diagnosed with BIA-ALCL and, in some cases, for the cost of monitoring or removal. Implant cards, operative reports, and pathology results are the key documents. See our page on the breast implant cancer lawsuit and the guide on recalls versus class actions.