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Could I Be Allergic to my Breast Implants?

I got silicone breast implants about 10 days ago and I had a local allergic reaction to the adhesive tegaderm that was over my incision. I now have itching and redness all over my chest, back, arms, neck, and face like I am reacting systemically. I do not have any other allergies. Could this be an allergy to the implant?

Asked 35 months ago by erin 01 in navarre fl 32566

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Allergy to silicone?

It is unlikely that you could be allergic to silicone which is a natural element found in food products that we eat such as potato skin.

Arian Mowlavi, MD

Laguna Beach Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Unlikely you are allergic to implants

There are no reports of allergic reactions to gel or saline implants. It sounds as if you have a reaction to the adhesive dressing, known as contact dermatitis.

Michael S. Beckenstein, MD

Birmingham Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

It's extremely unlikely.

I've got to agree with the other physicians' answers. It is far more plausible that you had an allergic reaction to an adhesive, dressing, or postop medication than to the implants. Breast implants may be the most exhaustively researched of all implantable medical devices. They are extremely safe and cause no known adverse tissue reaction.Soon after implantaton, the implant becomes walled of by a capsule of scar tissue. Call your surgeon's office and explain your skin reaction. He may... more

James C. Grotting, MD

Birmingham Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Not your implants

Hi there- Implants do not cause problems like the one you are experiencing. It sounds like you are experiencing a contact dermatitis- which means your skin is reacting in an allergic fashion to something it came into contact with. This can be a detergent, a fabric, or just about anything else that might have touched your skin. I would let your plastic surgeon know about it and make an appointment to see your family doctor or dermatologist. Hope you feel better.

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Armando Soto, MD

Orlando Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

What can cause your allergy symptoms

1. Implants do not cause the reaction that you describe. 2. Topical antiseptics during surgery typically do not include your face, so it is likely something systemic. 3. Systemic causes for your rash can include any of the medications that you are or were taking at the time of surgery. Check with your surgeon, and then stop all medications. Your doctor most likely has a protocol for treating this kind of rash. Finally, good luck!

Robert M. Freund, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

There is no such thing as an allergy to breast implants.

Hi! Silicone implants are inert and do not cause the reaction you are describing. In fact, silicone implants do not cause any illness whatsoever. It sounds like you have a contact dermatitis, which can be quite severe. I recommend that you see a dermatologist.

George J. Beraka, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Seems like allergy from medication or dressing

It seems that you developed an allergic reaction to either a medication or a dressing. You need to act fast, this is what I would do: 1. Contact your local doctor, but start Benadryl at the same time. If the allergy extends to your head or neck, you might need to go to the ER. 2. Remove the tegarderm and clean the area to remove the adhesive material. Use bacitracin oint or so.You might be allergic to tape, latex, or the adhesive material. 3. It could be your pain pill or your antibiotics as... more

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Your problem is not the implants

If you reacted to the tegaderm, that speaks to your very reactive state in general because that is essentially an inert substance. You sound like you are having some kind of a medication allergy. Are you still taking pain meds? If so, stop them and take some Benedryl. Also, if there are any new meds you are taking since your surgery, stop them also. Don't worry about your implants though.

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

No allergic reaction to silicone breast implants

An allergic reaction to silicone implants as far as I know does not exist. You more than likely developed a reaction to the adhesive material in the tegaderm.

Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Likely the adhesive

Allergy to breast implants is very unusual. Most likely you are having a reaction to the adhesive and on the dressing. However, you should consult with your surgeon to ensure that nothing more serious is occurring. Good Luck.

David Shafer, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Allergy from Breast Implants unlikely

It is highly unlikely that you are allergic to your breast implants. Having said that, blood obtained from individuals with silicone implants may contain antibodies which is typical of an reaction to a foreign body but the true significance of these antibodies is not known nor are they felt to be related to any disease condition. It is far more likely that you are allergic to the adhesive dressing which is very common or to other components of the peri-operative care. It is exceptionally... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Not the implants

The apparent rash is not due to the implants. The most likely candidate is something that was put on the skin during preparation for surgery, like Betadine, which has iodine, or some other prep solution. At the end of the case, an adhesive may also sometimes be applied to help the dressing stick. I have found that many people are sensitive to this and form harsh, itchy rashes. My advice to you if you are really uncomfortable is to ask you surgeon for steroid (decadron shot), medrol dose... more

Scott E. Kasden, MD

Dallas Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Allergy probably not from implants

It is fairly common to see reactions under the Tegaderm, or Steri strips. People are frequently allergic to the adhesives in these products. If the rash spreads to the rest of your body, something else is going on; most likely an allergic reaction to a medication you have taken. Pain pills and antibiotics would be the most likely causes. The implants are made of inert materials and are not the cause of allergic reactions. I would call your plastic surgeon and discuss your medications as soon... more

John Squires, MD

Denver Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Have dermatologist evaluate allergy

Your symptoms could be secondary to one of many medications, adhesives, prep solutions, but likely not implants. I would recommend consultation with a dermatololgist to consider sources(which may not be identified) as well as treatment. In this case, additional medication may be necessary beyond Benadryl. This would be important now but also in the future as you may come in contact with the same entity again and don't necessarily want the same reaction! Hope this helps!