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?

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12 answers to “Could I be allergic to my breast...”

A: Likely the adhesive

David Shafer, MD

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.

A: Allergy from Breast Implants unlikely

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

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... more

A: Unlikely you are allergic to implants

Michael S. Beckenstein, MD

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.

A: It's extremely unlikely.

James C. Grotting, MD

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... more

A: Not your implants

Armando Soto, MD

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... more

A: What can cause your allergy symptoms

Robert M. Freund, MD

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,... more

A: Not the implants

Scott E. Kasden, MD

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... more

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

George J. Beraka, MD

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.

A: Allergy probably not from implants

John Squires, MD

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... more

A: Have dermatologist evaluate allergy

Michael A. Marschall, MD

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. ... more

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Comments

Linda Burcham
unregistered guest

27 Mar 2009

I have breast cancer and am having implant done after. I do have a reaction after bandages. Does that mean I will be allergic to what is implanted. I also have lupus. I am very scared about this Please advise

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