Silicone buttock implants have been linked to a deadly type of cancer for the first time.
A new study reveals a middle-aged woman who received textured implants was diagnosed with blood cancer anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) a year later, with tumors found in her lungs.
'Unfortunately, her condition deteriorated before explanation could be performed,' the surgeons at the University of South California wrote.
While regulators have previously acknowledged ALCL's links to textured breast implants, researchers believe this is the first account of the same link with implants made for the glutes.
The finding will pile more pressure on the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the weeks running up to a committee hearing that will assess whether to ban textured breast implants due to health risks.
Regulators have previously acknowledged ALCL's links to textured breast implants, but researchers believe this is the first account of the same link with implants made for the glutes
Reflecting on the study, Dr Alan Matarasso, president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons said it 'makes sense' that textured gluteal implants would carry the same risk as those used in the breast.
'It’s not the environment (i.e. the breast) but the type of implant [and] length of time the implant is in place,' he said, adding that, in the breast, a woman's risk of ALCL increases after eight years. 'Inflammation and genetics are considered risk factors to getting the disease (ALCL),' Dr Matarasso added.
'Fortunately, the vast majority of buttock enlargements today are done [using] body tissue, known as a 'flap', or by reshaping the area around the buttock with liposuction.'
Annual statistics for the plastic surgery industry suggest that is indeed the case.
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