Is castor oil pack safe to use over silicone breast implant I had in 2016?

Thank you for your question and for sharing your concerns. Using a castor oil pack over silicone breast implants is generally considered safe and should not cause any damage or breakdown of the implants themselves. Silicone implants are designed to be very durable and resistant to external substances, including oils applied topically. Castor oil penetrates the skin’s surface but does not reach or affect the implant material beneath.

That said, your increasing chest muscle neuropathy and discomfort warrant careful evaluation. Neuropathy after mastectomy and reconstruction can result from nerve irritation or injury during surgery, and while it is not typically a sign of capsular contracture, the two conditions can sometimes overlap symptomatically. Capsular contracture usually presents with firmness, tightness, or visible distortion of the breast rather than nerve pain or neuropathy.

I recommend that you follow up promptly with your plastic surgeon to assess your symptoms thoroughly. They can perform a physical exam, and if needed, imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI to evaluate for capsular contracture or other complications. Managing neuropathy may require specific treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or nerve blocks, depending on severity.

Using castor oil topically is unlikely to harm your implants, but your new symptoms should be evaluated by your surgeon to rule out capsular contracture or other issues and to guide appropriate treatment.

Thank you for your question. Yes- it is safe to use castor oil packs on your chest. It will not affect your implants. The pain you are referring to may be associated with a neuroma or capsular contracture. A capsular contracture typically feels more firm and less mobile. This can be associated with or without pain. As silicone implants typically last 10 years, you may have a rupture. I recommend following up with your provider for further evaluation. Hope this helps!

Castor oil should be fine and does penetrate better than all other oils. It will not damage your implant. Capsules are common after mastectomy because of the increase scar tissue. Go back and let your surgeon check your breasts.