Could I Be Allergic to my Breast Implants?

Question

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?

Michael S. Beckenstein, MD · Answer

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.

Richard J. Bruneteau, MD · Answer

The type of
allergic reaction that you’re describing appears to be a contact
dermatitis.This type of allergy usually
occurs in response to agents that come into direct contact with the
patient.In most cases, this is related
to surgical dressings, surgical prep solutions, medications, and support bras.This type of reaction doesn’t occur
with silicone implants.It’s important
to realize that silicone is an extremely inert material and its presence is
ubiquitous in our environment.It’s important that you see a
dermatologist or allergist who can evaluate this problem if it fails to
improve.In the interim, it’s
appropriate to continue Benadryl and steroid creams.

David Shafer, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

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 common now, to use antibiotic solutions when washing out the breast implant pocket. Very standard antibiotics are used but it is possible that you were exposed to a medication to which you had a previously unrecognized allergy. These commonly include gentamycin, ancef (cefazolin), and bacitracin. An allergy to the latter is a possibility.
I hope this helps.

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

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.

James C. Grotting, MD, FACS · Answer

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 have specific recommendations as to how you should proceed.

Robert M. Freund, MD · Answer

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!

Scott E. Kasden, MD, FACS · Answer

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 pack, benedry, some topical skin soothing cream.  This will pass, but also ask your surgeon what was used and in future operations, tell them that you are allergic.
feel better
scottkinfw@msn.com
www.drkasden.us

Hisham Seify, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

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 well.  Hope that helps.