20 Year Old Implants - Just Now Getting an Infection?

asked 1 year ago by BettyBoopsy in USA
Latest answer by Steven Wallach, MD
Question viewed 627 times
Tags: silicone implant, encapsulated, infection

I had silicone implants 20 years ago. One of them has always been encapsulated. Last week that same breast developed a sore that's been diagnosed as cellulitis, though there's not been an injury. When the urgent care doc cut it to drain the sore he saw black stuff just under my skin. He refused to go any further for fear of hurting my implant. But my implants are beneath the muscle and this was just below the surface of the skin. I'm FREAKING out about it. What could it possibly be??

10 answers to 20 Year Old Implants - Just Now Getting an Infection?

MAY NEED TO TAKE IT OUT

Please see a plastic surgeon immediately.After clinical examination & a scan he may advise taking it out. The chances of it being superficial skin infection are slim.

Anup Dhir, MD
India Plastic Surgeon

Infected implant

You certainly could have an infected implant. Although it is really, really unusual, implants can be "seeded" with bacteria many years after implantation. I had one of my own patients experience this a couple of weeks after a severe sinus infection. You need to see a plastic surgeon ASAP. If this implant is infected, it needs to come out. Delaying removal can cause a lot of damage to your breast tissue and skin and could also result in a... more

Lisa L. Sowder, MD
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

What to do with exposed Breast Implant?

Regarding: "20 Year Old Implants - Just Now Getting an Infection? I had silicone implants 20 years ago. One of them has always been encapsulated. Last week that same breast developed a sore that's been diagnosed as cellulitis, though there's not been an injury. When the urgent care doc cut it to drain the sore he saw black stuff just under my skin. He refused to go any further for fear of hurting my implant. But my implants are beneath the muscle and this was just below... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD
Memphis Plastic Surgeon

Exposed black stuff 20 years after breast augmentation

Hi, You need to see a board certified plastic surgeon quickly. The exposed black material may very well be your implant; along the lower portion of the breast, the muscle usually retracts and the implant is sitting directly below the skin. It's very possible that your implant is exposed and contaminated. If that's the case, it will need to come out. Best of luck.

Sam Jejurikar, MD
Dallas Plastic Surgeon

The black stuff is probably your exposed implant

When an implant is exposed through the skin, because there is no light behind it, it looks black. You should immediately see a plastic surgeon and if this is the case, you will need the implant removed asap.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon

Breast Implant Complications

Signs of infection such as redness or skin changes with underlying breast implants requires urgent attention. With long standing implants, contractures, and/or overlying tissue thinning you can also have an impending Implant exposure. Seeing "black stuff" is worrisome. Sometimes implants that are too close the skin can give off a dark bluish or purplish hue. I would have this looked and treated ASAP.

Hayley Brown MD
Henderson Plastic Surgeon

Infection and breast

After an incision and drainage of a small breast infection, you want to make sure that you are not seeing the implant. I would see a plastic surgeon.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Breast Implant Infection

There have been reports of breast implants developing infection 18-20 years after implantation. It is rare, but does occur. I agree with the recommendation of seeing a board certified plastic surgeon for evaluation and treatment. Best of Luck.

Michael A. Jazayeri, MD
Santa Ana Plastic Surgeon

20 year old implants

In all likelihood the "black stuff" beneath the skin is probably the implant itself even if it was put beneath the muscle. You should seek evaluation by a plastic surgeon to review your options.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Breast infection with implants

The best thing for you to de is to make an urgent appointment with a board-certified plastic surgeon si that they can evaluate you and see what further care you need. You may have had a superficial infection from a bug bite which worsened but it is hard to tell without examining you. I hope this helps. Dr Edwards