The Penn State Health Approach to Cosmetic Services and Surgery

When you feel good about the way you look, you can face the world with confidence. The cosmetic services team at Penn State Health offers a full range of noninvasive, minimally invasive and surgical cosmetic procedures - from skin rejuvenation treatments to facelifts and body contouring.

As an academic medical center, we're known for top-quality care and advanced expertise. We’re at the forefront of skincare and cosmetic and plastic surgery research, in partnership with Penn State College of Medicine. That means you get the latest approaches that offer natural-looking results and minimal downtime. We make your satisfaction our priority.

Our expert team takes the time to understand your needs and develop a personalized plan to bring your vision to life.

A Full Range of Cosmetic Procedures

We offer a full range of cosmetic services delivered by a trusted, experienced team. Whether you want a subtle change or a dramatic new look, our expert team can make your dream a reality.

You work with a compassionate team that’s known for personal attention and customized results. We take the time to listen to what’s important and help you decide what’s right for you. We offer a wide range of options and use the latest techniques - approaches that minimize recovery time and let you get back to your life as quickly as possible. We also carry a variety of competitively priced, quality skincare products to offer you a convenient, one-stop option for all your skincare needs.

We do some procedures in our office, and cosmetic surgeons perform some procedures in the hospital. Wherever you receive care, you get a coordinated, team approach that ensures you get expert, comprehensive care — including nursing care after surgery and complete follow-up services.

Experts in Care

Meet our doctors, view their profiles and select the one that’s right for you.

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Why Choose Penn State Health for Cosmetic Services

Our reputation for personalized, quality care and proven, effective cosmetic approaches makes us a trusted choice for people across Pennsylvania.

Expert, Team-Based Care Designed for You

Our experienced team of plastic surgeons, otolaryngologistsdermatologists, medical aestheticians and specialty-trained nurses provide complete cosmetic services using the latest advancements.

You can expect:

  • A wide selection of the latest proven cosmetic procedures
  • Personal attention to help you decide what’s right for you, based on your lifestyle
  • Treatment and recovery plans that offer you the best results, designed just for you
  • Special cosmetic procedure promotions, events and product samples

Cosmetic Procedures Research and Clinical Trials

Penn State Health is at the forefront of dermatology, otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat), plastic and cosmetic surgery and research. Our wound healing research is pioneering innovative surgery approaches that offer faster recoveries and better results. Learn more about our clinical trials.

FAQs

What is breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)?

Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a rare type of lymphoma, or cancer of the immune cells. ALCL is considered a “blood cancer” and is not breast cancer. Breast implant-associated ALCL is a distinct type of ALCL involving the capsule or fluid surrounding a breast implant.

What causes BIA-ALCL?

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), ASERF and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have not found a specific factor which causes BIA-ALCL. Implant texturing, bacteriologic contamination and genetic factors have been implicated and are undergoing further study. Bacteria that cause inflammation have been found in areas surrounding the affected breast, which could contribute to disease.

What are the symptoms of BIA-ALCL?

Most people are diagnosed when they seek medical treatment for implant-related symptoms such as pain, lumps, swelling, fluid collection, or asymmetry that developed after their initial surgical sites were fully healed.  In reported cases, BIA-ALCL was diagnosed as long as 32 years after (and on average, eight years) following the implant surgery. 

How is BIA-ALCL diagnosed?

If you develop swelling in the breast area surrounding the implant, you should undergo an ultrasound scan. Mammograms are not useful in diagnosing BIA-ALCL.

How common is breast implant-associated ALCL?

There are an estimated 10-11 million women worldwide with breast implants. While total numbers vary in the scientific literature, there have been 100-250 known cases of ALCL in women with breast implants worldwide. Fewer than 10 patients are diagnosed per year with this disease. The only study demonstrating an association between breast implants and BIA-ALCL estimated an incidence of 1 in 300,000.

Are all women with breast implants at equal risk for developing breast implant-associated ALCL?

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the association of ALCL and breast implants is roughly the same for women receiving implants for aesthetic cosmetic purposes and for reconstructive purposes. The association appears to be the same for saline, silicone and polyurethane implants. However all known cases of breast implant-associated ALCL have involved textured implants, rather than smooth implants.

Are textured implants safe to use?

Evidence suggests that textured implants can cause more inflammation compared to smooth implants and increase risk of BIA-ALCL. Penn State physicians have observed a connection between textured implants and occurrence of BIA- ALCL and have discontinued use of textured implants for safety of our patients. It is best to talk to your physician about known risks and potential complications associated with the type of implants used. 

If I have had breast implants should I be screened for BIA-ALCL?

If you have not experienced any symptoms or changes in breast associated with BIA-ALCL then you do not need more than routine check-ups.  If you experience a change in her breasts – especially if there is swelling or a lump – you should undergo examination and appropriate imaging, including ultrasound and fine needle aspiration of any fluid surrounding the implant.

Should I consider having my implants removed to lower my risk?

There is no current recommendation for additional screening or removal of implants for women with no symptoms. From what is known about this association between implants and ALCL, the FDA recommends women do not change their routine medical care and follow-up. Contact your plastic surgeon if you notice swelling, fluid collection or unexpected changes in breast shape. Have regular imaging evaluations as recommended by your provider, including mammograms and, if you have silicone implants, periodic MRI to detect ruptures. The FDA and the Institute of Medicine maintain that breast implants do not impair breast health or cause breast cancer, and scientific evidence continues to support that FDA-approved breast implants have a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness.

How is breast implant-associated ALCL treated?

When breast implants are placed in the body, they are inserted behind the breast tissue or under the chest muscle. Over time, a fibrous scar called a capsule develops around the implant separating it from the rest of the breast. Treatment of breast implant-associated ALCL for most patients is removal of the implants and any mass associated with the capsule that held the implants. In all but a few cases, the disease has been fully resolved by this surgery alone. The majority of patients require no additional treatment.

What is the prognosis of patients that are diagnosed with breast implant-associated ALCL?

This form of ALCL tends to progress slowly and cause few symptoms. The majority of patients may be adequately treated with removal of both the implant and the capsule. As with other forms of lymphoma, however, breast implant-associated ALCL can be aggressive, and some cases reported included disease spread to the lymph nodes and death.

Where can I find more information on BIA-ALCL?

 

Additional information and resources on BIA-ALCL are available online at www.plasticsurgery.org/alcl and by searching "ALCL" on RADAR.

The information in this document reflects the latest understanding and recommendations available on the topic from the FDA, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and was compiled from resources available at the links below.

Convenient Locations

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