If you’re wondering, “Do textured implants cause breast cancer?” here’s the truth: Textured implants don’t directly cause breast cancer, but one particular implant was previously linked to a rare cancer of the immune system called BIA-ALCL (breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma). As a result, this textured implant was recalled from the market in 2019. Textured implants from other manufacturers remain FDA-approved and available today, though they’re used less often now amid ongoing scrutiny.
The “fake news” proclaiming that all breast implants cause breast cancer might keep you on the same channel for a few minutes longer, but even when the bit on implants is aired, it is a truncated story without all the facts. I hope you did not fall prey to this bit of news exaggeration.
Here’s what I tell my Columbus-area patients about smooth vs textured implants, and whether breast augmentation revision is necessary and something you need to consider.
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Do All Textured Implants Put You At Risk?
No, this is one of the biggest misconceptions from the headlines. The tiny bit of truth that was twisted to become the shocking headline is this: There is a very rare type of lymphoma of the breast implant capsule that is associated with textured breast implants. It is not a straight cause-and-effect type of result. In other words, having textured implants is just one factor in the association.
Many breast augmentation patients with these type of implants do not develop lymphoma. But there is something about the textured implant that, in very rare circumstances, leads to a lymphoproliferative condition in the capsule. It is so rare that it is hard to study and hard to categorize, but there are some general themes that have emerged.
What to Watch Out For?
The most common symptoms are pain, swelling, or a fluid collection around the implant, usually in patients who’ve had textured implants for quite some time. Every patient and every case is different, so it’s difficult to make blanket recommendations. However, if these symptoms appear, the fluid should be tested for lymphoma.
When Should I Seek Treatment?
This lymphoma is so rare that most patients with textured breast implants do not need to worry.The thing to be aware of is that if you have strange swelling or other unusual symptom in your breast, you should seek a consultation (ideally, with the plastic surgeon who placed the implants) to learn more.
The breast implant removal procedure is called a total capsulectomy—this operation can be quite straightforward, or it can be very challenging depending on how much the capsule has adhered to surrounding anatomical structures.
Why Does This Happen With Textured vs. Smooth Implants?
The link to BIA-ALCL is specific to textured implants—smooth implants don’t carry the same association. The leading theory is that the textured surface causes a low-grade, ongoing inflammatory reaction in the capsule that, over many years, can develop into this rare condition, while a smooth surface doesn’t trigger the same prolonged inflammatory response. Many ongoing studies are looking into these questions, and a national implant registry is collecting this data in conjunction with the FDA.
When Should You Meet With a Plastic Surgeon?
If your implants have been in place for longer than 10 years, it is probably a good time to meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options. When this type of news headline is splashed across the TV and magazines, it is important to keep in mind the bigger picture, remembering that this is exceptionally rare. But if you do have textured implants, you should be aware of this development.
Are Beast Implants Still Worth It?
Yes, for many women, breast implants boost confidence and body image, so this news is an unexpected consequence of a wonderful experience. You can read about some of the very real and personal reasons patients choose to get breast implants in this earlier blog post.
My underlying focus for every breast augmentation patient is your well-being—not just the aesthetic outcome. I also want you to feel confident in understanding your options and feel supported in your decision.
If you have questions about your implants, I encourage you to talk with your surgeon directly; the doctor-patient relationship is at the heart of shared medical decision-making, and it’s how I work with my Columbus-area patients to find the right path forward for their individual situation.
What’s Next?
If you’re worried about your implants or you’re considering a breast augmentation revision and you’re in the Columbus, Ohio, area, you can request a consultation online or call my office at (614) 569-2649.
For more information, please visit:
https://www.surgery.org/professionals/patient-safety/breast-implant-resources
This blog post was originally published in October 2019 and updated in July 2026.
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