Implant ban to hit breast cancer survivors: surgeon

Professor Sanjay Warrier is warning about the proposal to remove tissue expanders
Jocelyn Wright

A proposed ban on textured breast implants could make it impossible for up to half of women undergoing mastectomies to have reconstructive surgery, a breast surgeon says.

The TGA is planning to remove a string of textured breast implants and tissue expanders from the Australian market over evidence they are linked to a higher risk of anaplastic large cell lymphoma.

The proposal, announced last month, followed bans in France and Canada and a six-month investigation by the regulator, which found anaplastic large cell lymphoma was more likely to occur in the rougher-surfaced implants.

In response, medical device maker Allergan issued a global recall of its entire line of Natrelle-branded implants, which the TGA had recommended should be immediately cancelled from the register.