Calf Implant Leaking/leaching Silicone into the Blood?

I have had a single calf implant for almost 10 years with no issues. I am wondering if there is a possibility of the implant breaking down over time and silicone getting into my bloodstream? I have used infrared saunas in the past (which I now know I should avoid), and have gone for massages and practitioners have massaged my implant. Please advise, I am concerned and wonder if I should take a blood test for silicone.

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leak silicone implant 10 years post-op

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3 Doctor Answers | Asked by banana87

Doctor Answers (3)
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Spectrum Design Medical and AART Calf implants will never leak

Thank you for your question. I have been using the SpectrumDesignMedical and AART implants for several years now and those are very soft and pliable but solid silicone, hence they cannot leak. I have performed over 120 calf augmentation procedure since 2005. The Brazilian calf implants (Silimed) are however cohesive gel, like our #breastimplants. All implants get surrounded by a capsule of collagen that your body forms. Should a gel implant rupture, the... more

Marc DuPere, MD

11 reviews

Toronto Plastic Surgeon

Calf implants

Maybe the implant can worn out and after 10 years be leaking, but I do not know any single case that the silicone goes to to bloodstream. Anyway you can be totally sure about how your implants is by means of ultrasound or MRI.

Calf implant leaking?

Depending on the type of calf implants that were used, they may or may not be leaking. Only semi-solid silicone rubber calf implants are FDA approved for use in the U.S.A., these cannot leak. If you had silicone gel implants placed then it is possible for them to leak. The best initial step is to see a board certified plastic surgeon experienced in this procedure for physical exam and possibly a referral then for an ultrasound and/or MRI to detect a leak. A... more