Buttock implants could cause rare blood cancer: Study reveals first EVER account of a possible link just weeks after health officials blamed breast implants for 9 deaths and 457 illnesses

March 3, 2019 17:22

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.

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.

The more than 20,000 Americans a year who surgically enhance their buttocks have a few options for how to do it - with some more popular than others.

In the last couple of decades, the Brazilian butt lift (BBL) has become popular - a procedure of liposuction to remove fat from the back, belly and thighs, which is processed then pumped into the butt.

These days, now that more surgeons have experience performing the BBL, it's generally advocated as the safest and most effective option for women.

It has a lower risk of infections, since there is no incision or foreign product inserted, and since it consists of fat cells, it will grow with the patient if they put on weight, giving a more natural look as their body inevitably changes.