BISA Represents at the ASPS “Plastic Surgery The Meeting 2021”

Breast Implant Safety Alliance (BISA) sent a team to represent at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) conference “Plastic Surgery The Meeting” held in Atlanta, GA from October 28 - November 1, 2021. 

BISA had a booth in the exhibit hall with the goal of sharing perspectives and promoting collaboration. Advocates had the privilege to speak with surgeons, scientists, residents, students, researchers, and legislative lobbyists.

The BISA team attended a “Meet & Greet” breakfast with ASPS Leadership to discuss concerns and ideas for future collaboration efforts. Outgoing ASPS President, Dr. Losse said we need a “culture shift.”

Maria Gmitro and Robyn Towt both spoke on a panel with Diana Zuckerman, PhD, Lu-Jean Feng, MD, Steve Teitelbaum, MD, and Michelle Tarver, MD of the FDA. The session, put together by Scot Glasberg, MD was titled, “Patient Perspectives: A Collaborative Look at Breast Implant Illness” and was moderated by Andrea Pusic, MD. We learned from all of the panelists’ presentations and hope to see more presentations like this in the future.

Overall, we feel this was a positive experience. “Each time we have open discussions with surgeons, we learn new perspectives and gain a better understanding,” says Maria Gmitro.  We appreciate the current efforts of the ASPS and look forward to future collaborations. There is still much more work to be done.

-Diagnostic criteria is needed for Breast Implant Illness.

-Medical community and plastic surgeons need to be more aware of the current protocol for BIA-ALCL.

-Plastic Surgeons, especially those that are performing many explants, should collect and present data on BII.

-Surgeons need to provide patients diagnosed with all breast cancer reconstruction options including Aesthetic Flat Closure.

Finally, during the “Close the Loop” 5K, the BISA Team was able to meet some advocates including Renee Ridgeley of Stand Tall AFC and Kimberly Bowles of Not Putting on a Shirt who were advocating and educating about “Aesthetic Flat Closure.”