I had a silicone explanation done but the capsules were left. Is all of the silicone out of my body?

Question

I suffered from silicone poisoning after getting silicone implants. My Dr left the capsules in after taking out the implants. I'm wondering if I have to worry about left over silicone or if it was all removed. My Physician was awesome and performed the whole thing under local anesthesia with no IV sedation.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Removal of breast implants, intact or ruptured, may have positive implications if patients are symptomatic. A constellation of symptoms associated with breast implant illness, and autoimmune disease are considered when treating patients who have breast implants and are concerned about foreign body reaction. In our office, we begin this journey with a consideration of symptoms and exclusion of obvious autoimmune problems. In many of our patients, en bloc removal of breast implants with capsulectomy is important and beneficial. Further clinical evidence about breast implant illness is evolving and will continue to guide treatment. I would suggest removal if there is a possibility of foreign body reaction.

Best,
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Your surgeon would inspect your implants after removal.  If the implant shell was intact there would be no leftover silicone present from the implants.  The capsules are scar tissue created by your body around the implant.  They are not silicone.

Michael J. Brown, MD · Answer

Hi,

Thanks for posting your question. I am happy to try and help you. It is
important to remember that a board certified plastic surgeon will be your best
resource when it comes to an accurate assessment of your situation, and
concerns.

For breast implant removals, as long the capsule is thin, soft and without
calcium deposits, it is fine to leave them in. The body will reabsorb the thin
layer over time. This is of no consequence and is entirely safe.

Best wishes,

Dr. Michael J. Brown
Northern Virginia Plastic Surgeon

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Assuming that the breast implants had not ruptured, it is likely that the vast majority of silicone material has been removed.  In my practice, unless breast implant capsules are thickened or symptomatic, they are not necessarily removed.   Removal of capsule tissue unnecessarily exposes patients to unnecessary risk. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be pleased with long-term.

Gregory Sexton, MD · Answer

There is likely to be silicone in the capsules left behind, but probably less than you get from your drinking water or any processed foods which have silicone in them.

Stephanie Ma, MD · Answer

The capsule is generally a structure that is quite distinct and separate from the implant, especially if your implant's shell was smooth rather than textured.  No actual silicone would have integrated itself into the capsule over time, and therefore no silicone should be left behind in the remaining capsule. If your surgeon performed a thorough explantation of the ruptured implant and any associated silicone, the remaining capsule should be of no concern.

Susan Kolb, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Total capsulectomy is recommended by the peer reviewed literature in order to avoid future complications.  Removal of the capsules is very important in recovery, along with antifungals, immune and endocrine support, detoxification, and treatment of co infections.  Please see the information on the web including the book I wrote on this subject.  I have treated over 2000 women with silicone toxicity.

I had a silicone explanation done but the capsules were left. Is all of the silicone out of my body?

Answers (7)

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