I Am Getting Breast Augmentation Surgery and Already Have Two Auto -immune Disorders

I was just recently diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and about two years ago was diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism. I understand that the science does not agree that auto-immune disease is related to breast augmentation with silicone, but can someone be honest and say whether or not the two diagnosis' that I have already will not possibly exacerbate a silicone implant toxicity? I choose silicone cohesive gel because I am only 5 ft, and 90 lbs.

Tags:

Comment on this

8 Doctor Answers | Asked by carrinohio in Steubenville, OH

Doctor Answers (8)
Community Comments (0)

I Am Getting Breast Augmentation Surgery and Already Have Two Auto -immune Disorders

Best to have a "team meeting" between all your doctors to get a full understanding and medical clearances before proceeding with any cosmetic surgery, especially silicone implantation.

Medical clearance for plastic surgery

Silicone implant toxicity is a non-existent entity. You already have auto-immune related diseases without breast implants. The question should be can silicone breast implants make these diseases worse than they otherwise would be. That is also highly unlikely. However, you need to take special precautions in order to have safe surgery and a smooth recovery. Your thyroid condition needs to be under control otherwise you are at risk for heart problems related to anesthesia as well as healing... more

Breast Augmentation

I am not aware of anyone who has silicone implant toxicity. However, there are those who have implants which have ruptured and migrated, creating problems in the migration zones. Your concern should be discussed with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and your endocrinologist and a plan developed for you.

Breast implants are not related to autoimmune disease.

I don't see any problem with a patient suffering from a collagen-vascular disease (such as arthritis) having breast implants. I think it would be a good idea, however, to have the blessing of the rheumatologist. There is no scientific evidence linking implants to autoimmune disease or making it worse.

Implants and auto-immune disease

I think the science has been very thorough to show that there is no association between auto-immune disease and implants.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

No connection between autoimmune disease and silicone

Since science is based on provable facts and not beliefs, we can say with a high degree of confidence that there is no copnnection between medical grade silicone and autoimmune diseases. In my clinical experience of several thousand augmentation patients over 20 years, I can honestly say that I can't think of a single case where there was a valid question about implants and autoimmune diseases. You should feel comfortable with your decision.

No known autoimmune risk with silicone implants

Several large studies--performed by both plastic surgeons and rheumatologists--fail to show any connection of autoimmune diseases to silicone implants. "Silicone toxicity" is largely a myth. Hairspray has silicone; neurosurgical shunts are silicone; injection needles are coated with silicone. Finger prostheses for joint replacement in patients with rheumatoid arthritis are made of silicone--and the patients do not get sicker after their joints have been replaced... more

Breast augmentation and autoimmune disorders

Dear Carrinohio, I am sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis. As of today our literature of 20+ years shows correlations between the use of silicone gel implants and autoimmune diseases. There have been some anecdotal correlations between the use of breast implants and anaplastic Large cell lymphoma, a rare type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. These recent correlations are being investigated. I would first treat your other medical conditions first... more