Allergan breast implant claims

If you have had Allergan BIOCELL textured breast implants, you may be entitled to compensation. Our specialist team is here to help you understand your rights.

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Author

Lisa Lunt

Partner & Medical Product Liability Solicitor

Last Updated

16th July 2026

Can I make an Allergan breast implant claim?

Unfortunately, we are currently unable to assist with new claims relating to Allergan breast implants. This is due to the legal time limits that apply to medical product liability claims. Further information about the time limits, and the case generally is below.

Under current legislation, claims involving defective medical products are generally subject to a 10-year ‘long stop’ limitation period, which runs from the date the product was manufactured rather than the date it was implanted or when any concerns or symptoms were first identified.

Of the recent enquiries we have had most of these Allergan implants were manufactured more than 10 years ago, which means we are unfortunately unable to pursue these cases further.

We understand this news may be disappointing, particularly for those who may still have concerns about their health or wellbeing. If you are experiencing symptoms or would like medical advice, we would encourage you to speak with your GP, consultant, or treating surgeon for further support and guidance.

Example of an Allergan breast implant claim

Imagine a woman who received Allergan BIOCELL textured implants during reconstructive surgery following breast cancer treatment, but was not told about the associated BIA-ALCL risk at the time. Years later, she develops swelling and fluid build-up around the implant and is diagnosed with BIA-ALCL. If she was not adequately informed of the risks before surgery, and the product itself has since been recalled due to that risk, this could support a valid claim for compensation.

Related Allergan breast implant claims we support

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What compensation can help with

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Covering the costs of treatment, removal, and rebuilding your life.

Every case is assessed individually, but compensation can cover a wide range of losses – both immediate and long-term. Whether you’re dealing with the cost of implant removal, cancer treatment, or the psychological toll of living with uncertainty, a successful claim can help ease those pressures.

Women diagnosed with BIA-ALCL may also be able to claim for provisional damages. This means that if your illness worsens in the future, you may be able to return to court for further compensation – so your claim does not need to account for every eventuality right now.

A successful Allergan breast implant claim may help with:

Compensating for the pain, suffering and emotional distress
Cost of implant removal and replacement surgery
Cancer treatment costs, including chemotherapy or radiotherapy
Loss of earnings, both current and future
Future medical monitoring and follow-up care
Psychological therapy and counselling
Care and support needs arising from your diagnosis

Understanding the potential value

Cases involving a BIA-ALCL diagnosis, cancer treatment, or significant surgery tend to attract higher levels of compensation than those involving anxiety and removal alone. This is because we consider the long-term implications and future losses of all cases we proceed with. We’ll give you a clear and honest assessment of what your claim might be worth once we’ve reviewed your situation in detail. No two cases are the same, and the value of a claim will depend on your individual circumstances – including the severity of your diagnosis, the treatment you have needed, the impact on your ability to work, and your longer-term care needs.

Understanding special and general damages

A settlement is made up of general damages and special damages. General damages address the non-financial impact of your injury, including pain and suffering and the effect on your day-to-day life. Special damages cover the specific financial losses you can evidence, from medical treatment and rehabilitation costs to lost income and travel expenses. Our team will make sure both are carefully calculated and properly reflected in your claim.

Specialist Allergan breast implant solicitors

Our team specialises in defective medical product liability claims.

Why choose Fletchers for your Allergan breast implant claim?

Claims involving defective medical products are complex. You need a team that understands both the legal process and the very real human impact of what you have been through. At Fletchers, our solicitors specialise in medical negligence and product liability law, and we bring genuine care as well as legal expertise to every case we take on.

Expertise you can rely on

Specialist expertise in defective medical product claims
Investigation led by Lisa Lunt, Partner and Solicitor, with extensive experience in sensitive and complex cases
Experience supporting women affected by Allergan BIOCELL implants
Compassionate approach to cases involving life-changing impact
Proven track record in high-profile medical product liability cases
Free, confidential case assessment so you can find out where you stand with no obligation
No win, no fee – you will not pay us anything if your claim is unsuccessful

You're not alone

We understand how important answers and support are right now.

Finding out that your breast implants have been linked to cancer – or receiving a BIA-ALCL diagnosis – is frightening. For many women, it raises immediate questions about their health, their treatment options, and what happens next. It can also bring up a lot of difficult emotions. Many women feel angry about being exposed to such a risk, and anxiety about what the future holds. It’s natural to have these responses, and wonder if you are entitled to any support.

BIA-ALCL symptoms can appear many years after surgery and may include swelling or fluid build-up around the implant, lumps in the breast or armpit, and pain, tenderness or skin changes. Early diagnosis often allows successful treatment through implant and scar tissue removal, but some patients need chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or other cancer treatments – and the impact of that goes far beyond the physical.

We’ve supported many clients in exactly this position, who often felt let down by the system and didn’t know who to trust. What they had in common was a need for someone to listen and take their situation seriously. Which is exactly what we’re here to do. For further information on the Allergan recall, take a look at this guide.

People we’ve supported

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FAQs about Allergan breast implant claims

What is the background to the Allergan recall?

Allergan stopped selling its BIOCELL textured breast implants in December 2018, after European regulators refused to renew their safety certification. By July 2019, a worldwide recall had been issued. In the UK, thousands of women may have been given these implants between 2015 and 2018-2019, often without being told about the cancer risk.

Who can make an Allergan breast implant claim?

You may be able to claim if you have been diagnosed with BIA-ALCL and had Allergan BIOCELL textured implants, if you have had your implants removed because of the cancer risk, or if you’re considering removal due to anxiety about developing BIA-ALCL. Claims may be possible whether your implants were fitted through the NHS or privately.

Do I have to have cancer to make a claim?

No. You may be able to claim if you’ve had your implants removed, are planning to remove them due to risk, or have suffered significant anxiety about developing BIA-ALCL.

What is BIA-ALCL?

Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that develops in the scar tissue and fluid around a breast implant. It’s not breast cancer, but it’s a serious condition that requires medical treatment. Symptoms can appear many years after surgery and may include swelling or fluid build-up around the implant, lumps in the breast or armpit, and pain, tenderness or skin changes.

Research shows that the risk of BIA-ALCL is significantly higher with Allergan’s BIOCELL textured implants compared to smooth implants. Early diagnosis often allows successful treatment through removal of the implant and surrounding scar tissue, but some patients require chemotherapy, radiotherapy or other cancer treatments.

How long do I have to make a claim?

Strict legal time limits apply to these cases. This includes a 10-year longstop limitation date from when the implant was first put into circulation. Because of this, it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible – even if you’re not yet sure whether you have a case. We’ll assess your situation and give you an honest view of your options.

What if my textured breast implants were fitted a long time ago?

You may still have a claim depending on when the product was manufactured and implanted. We can review your medical records to check.

What compensation could I receive?

Every case is assessed individually, and the amount will depend on your specific circumstances. Compensation can cover pain, suffering and emotional distress, the cost of implant removal and replacement, cancer treatment costs, loss of earnings, future medical monitoring, psychological therapy, and care and support needs.

Women diagnosed with BIA-ALCL may also be able to claim for provisional damages. This means that if your condition worsens in the future, you may be able to return for further compensation.

Will Allergan pay for my breast implant removal?

In most cases, Allergan will not cover surgery costs unless you have been diagnosed with BIA-ALCL. Legal action may help you recover these costs.

What evidence will I need?

Our team will help you gather the evidence needed to support your claim. This is likely to include your medical records showing the type of implants you received, records of any diagnosis or treatment related to BIA-ALCL, and evidence of any financial losses you have suffered. We’ll guide you through what is needed and handle much of the process on your behalf.

Can I claim if my implants were fitted on the NHS?

Yes. Claims may be possible whether your Allergan BIOCELL implants were fitted through the NHS or privately. The route your claim takes may differ depending on the circumstances, but we’ll advise you on the best approach for your situation.

Is this a group action or an individual claim?

We’re investigating claims on behalf of a number of women affected by Allergan BIOCELL breast implants and BIA-ALCL. Whether your claim proceeds as part of a group action or as an individual claim will depend on how the litigation develops. Our team will keep you informed throughout and explain what this means for you.

How does No Win No Fee work?

No Win No Fee means that if your claim is unsuccessful, you’ll not pay us anything. It allows you to pursue your case without financial risk. We’ll explain the funding arrangement in full at the start of your case so you know exactly where you stand.

What is the link between Allergan breast implants, and cancer?

Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma is a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma that develops in the scar tissue and fluid around a breast implant.

Symptoms can appear many years after surgery and may include:
Swelling or fluid build-up around the implant
Lumps in the breast or armpit
Pain, tenderness, or skin changes

Early diagnosis often allows successful treatment through implant and scar tissue removal. Some patients, however, may require chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or other cancer treatments.

How are Fletchers helping?

Fletchers Solicitors are helping women affected by Allergan BIOCELL breast implants and BIA-ALCL cancer. Our specialist medical negligence and product liability lawyers are investigating claims on behalf of individuals who:

Have been diagnosed with BIA-ALCL after having Allergan textured implants
Have had their Allergan breast implants removed due to cancer risk
Are considering removal of Allergan implants because of anxiety about developing BIA-ALCL.