FDA Issues Safety Signal on ALCL and Breast Implants

Healthcare Alert: I thought it best to get this information out right away. Both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery have advised their members regarding the FDA Safety Signal about a possible association between breast implants and anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). Although ALCL is extremely rare, the FDA believes that women with breast implants may have a very small but increased risk of developing the condition.

It is important to note as the ASAPS does in today's member advisory...

"This condition is incredibly rare — in the past 25 years only 34 cases have been reported worldwide among an estimated 10 million+ implanted devices. In addition, as opposed to the systemic, nodal pattern of ALCL, in published reports ALCL seen in the presence of breast implants has demonstrated an indolent course: both with women experiencing aggressive systemic therapy as well as those treated with simple explantation and capsulectomy - the condition was resolved."

The FDA is recommending that health care professionals and women pay close attention to breast implants and do the following:

• Health care professionals are requested to report all confirmed cases of ALCL in women with breast implants to Medwatch, the FDA’s safety information and adverse event reporting program. Report online or by calling 800-332-1088.
• Health care professionals should consider the possibility of ALCL if a patient has late onset, persistent fluid around the implant (peri-implant seroma). In cases of implant seroma, send fresh seroma fluid for pathology tests to rule out ALCL.
• There is no need for women with breast implants to change their routine medical care and follow-up. ALCL is very rare; it has occurred in only a very small number of the millions of women who have breast implants. Although not specific to ALCL, health care providers should follow standard medical recommendations.
• Women should monitor their breast implants and contact their doctor if they notice any changes.
• Women who are considering breast implant surgery should discuss the risks and benefits with their health care provider.

The FDA published its literature review in a document posted on FDA’s website site today titled “Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) in Women with Breast Implants: Preliminary FDA Findings and Analyses.”

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Have you seen our Facebook page? Please check it out and "Like Us" to stay informed of our monthly specials and other important announcements from Christine Hamori Cosmetic Surgery + Skin Spa. You'll also be automatically eligible to win our monthly drawing for a free facial! Your chance to win is just a click away... Check out our Facebook page here. And good luck!

Top Cosmetic Surgery Trends for 2011

The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) has released its Top 10 Cosmetic Surgery Predictions for 2011. I include the link here as I think you'll enjoy reading the entire list. I find the top two predictions especially relevant to my practice and I expect to see similar trends here in my Duxbury plastic surgery practice.

1. Increase in Facial Procedures: As the economy continues to improve, demand for facelifts and other facial rejuvenation surgery will increase. Non-surgical facial rejuvenation procedures will also see some growth, but people who have been putting off surgery for the past few years because of the economy will be ready for the gold standard in facial rejuvenation in 2011.

(Also, learn more about facial cosmetic surgeries in our animation library.

2. Injectables Continue to Boom: The growth and popularity of cosmetic injectables (Botox, Dysport, Sculptra, Radiesse, Juvederm, Restylane, Perlane etc.) will continue to increase as products continue to evolve and new players enter the market. The ASAPS also predicts that consumers looking for "a bargain" on cosmetic procedures will unfortunately lead to an increase in horror stories about “discount injectables” bought offshore and cosmetic medicine and cosmetic surgical procedures performed by untrained or poorly trained practitioners.

(Also, see the Injectables section our web site for more information on specific products and uses)

You might interpret this information as a motivator to make your appointments sooner rather than later, as we are expecting things to heat up this year.

Wishing you all the best for the year ahead!

Dr. Hamori

Happy New Year! Specials in the Skin Spa

Specials in the Skin Spa for January 2011 include:

• $75 off Hot Stone Facial - Smooth away post holiday tension and stress!
• $200 off Fractional Non-Ablative Resurfacing for the Full Face -  This 3-session laser treatment package is designed to target sun damaged skin, acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles.
• 50% off Laser Hair Reduction - Purchase one area at full price and receive a second area at 50% off.
• $200 off VelaShape™- Package of four treatments - contours, shapes and slims the body by improving cellulite and reducing circumference in as few as 4 treatments.
• $500 off Body by Thermage™- Non-Invasive skin tightening treatment.
• 10% Off Gemini Laser Treatment for Vascular and Pigmented Lesions - This laser treatment reduces and eliminates unsightly effects of broken capillaries, cherry hemangiomas, and lentigenes.

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For more information, or to book an appointment, please call the Skin Spa in Duxbury at 781-934-2200. All Specials Expire January 31, 2011.