Ruptured implant and silicone in lymph node

Should ruptured silicone implants in the lymph nodes be removed as soon as possible? Can the implants be replaced? Some doctors say the silicone isn't harmful, and there's no rush to remove/replace the implants if they're not bothersome. Is this true? What can be done?

Sort: Date | Helpful
17 answers to “Ruptured implant and silicone in...”

A: Ruptured Silicone Implants probably should be removed.

Stephen A. Goldstein, MD

Breast implants, like most medical devices, are not meant to last a lifetime. I advise our prospective patients that replacement will likely occur sometime over their life time. In 1999, the Institute of Medicine concluded that silicone implants do not cause any major health problems. Research and reports... more

A: The current recommendations are to replace the ruptured implants

Andrew Y. Kleinman, MD

Although there are no system diseases that have been associated with ruptured implants the long term fate of silicone from ruptured implants is not completely known. With more research it maybe shown that there is no harm in leaving ruputered implants long term. We do not have data to support that. Therefore... more

A: I would always recommend removal

Armando Soto, MD

I agree- if the implants are known to be ruptured, nothing good is going to come from leaving them in place. I wouldn't want you to think that dealing with the issue is an emergency, but the longer the silicone material is allowed to stay in place, the greater the chances of further silicone migration to lymph... more

A: Ruptured implants

Steven H. Williams, MD

Current recommendations are to replace or remove ruptured implants.  While studies have shown that there is likely no significant _systemic_ harm from leaking silicone the silicone itself can cause local inflammation which can lead to scar tissue and other local problems over time. And as Dr. Freund and... more

A: Silent rupture dilemma

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

The controversy regarding systemic auto-immune diseases being caused by silicone gel breast implants have been adequately put to rest. They don't. If you are suggesting that silicone was detected in your axillary lymph nodes and thus led to or confirmed the diagnosis of ruptured implants, then it is not... more

A: See your local board certified plastic surgeon

Kenneth R. Francis, MD

Mommy, This is a very complex situation that you present, requiring an extensive discussion with a board certified plastic surgeon and possibly a breast surgeon. There is no great urgency, but it sounds like your implants can and should be replaced. It is possible that if your implants are older model... more

A: False breast exam findings

Robert M. Freund, MD

Dear Mommy of two, I have read all that is listed below and I agree wholeheartedly with the following: 1-There have been many studies that show that leaking silicone does not pose any risks to systemic disease or collagen vascular disorders. 2-The older implants had a thin shell that would leak or disintegrate... more

A: Time is on your side.

Scott E. Kasden, MD

Science has demonstrated that the silicone is not threat to you or your health.  The silicone will be taken up by lymph nodes in the area, and can be easily visualized on X-rays, and MRI's.  What to do?  Find a plastic surgeon you trust.  Discuss your options.  They will include-... more

A: Remove silicone implants when ruptured

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

The treatment depends on which silicone implant was utlized. The more cohesive gel impants are quite firm and do not easily spread when ruptured. However, the less cohesive gell implants can diffuse throughout the breasts. This can be quite a mess to clean up. Therefore it is best for you to find and treat... more

A: Ruptured silicone implants

Steven Wallach, MD

Ruptured breast implants should be removed as soon as possible. Remember that silicone is relatively inert and shouldn't specifically harm you, but it should be removed or replaced sooner than later.

Comments

bonni martin
unregistered guest

14 Dec 2008

I had silicone implants, had them removed after years of sickness and fatigue. My implants were ruptured. They leaked outside the capsule and I am deformed as a result of my doctor getting all the stuff out. My lymph nodes are still sore after six months, but I feel great, am no longer tired, not sick all the time and my asthma is gone. Please get that junk out of your body. Most women have it done without resulting deformity. If you feel you can't live without them, please consider saline instead of more toxins.

older girl
1 post
24 Feb 2009

Older implants one feels harder the other feels softer they both still look the same should I do anything? or ignore

Post your question

Breast implants: 675 reviews

77% said it was worth it

Breast implants before & after photos

SPONSORED Post your question
IMPORTANT: As noted in our Terms of Service, the information found on RealSelf.com, including that provided by professionals in the Questions & Answers area, is a general educational aid. The Questions and Answers contain opinions and views created by community members. RealSelf.com is not responsible for the accuracy of any information posted by community members. Do not rely on this information as a substitute for personal medical or healthcare advice, or for diagnosis or treatment purposes.