I’ve had my implants out in 2014, but not properly. Would I feel better if all that silicone and scar tissue was taken out?

Question

They left the scar tissue in there. Also I have silicone in both my armpits. I had my breast implants removed in 2014. My breast are rock hard because they left in the scar tissue and some silicone. I also have silicone, in my armpits. I’ve since been diagnosed with fibromyalgia which actually has the same symptoms as breast implant illness. I feel like I have no quality of life anymore. I feel so ill all the time.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about the problems you are experiencing. The short answer: it is impossible  to predict whether or not you will feel better undergoing further surgery such as capsulectomy and/or removal of silicone material. Some general thoughts may be helpful to you:You will find, that there is no consensus among plastic surgeons, whether or not there is a link between breast implants and the medical conditions of concern.   In other words, as of today, there is no scientific "causation" shown thus far.  The main theory currently involves a complex interaction of breast implant material with the patient's immune system,  Involvement of bacteria/fungal/virus/other adjuvants, as well as the patient's specific genetic makeup. It is theorized that the "wrong combination" of these parameters may lead to autoimmune disease and/or other associated systemic symptoms.   
However, personally  having worked with many patients who have presented with concerns regarding breast implant illness, I think (as thoughtful and humble) physicians, it is important to keep an open mind (even though there is no definitive scientific demonstration of breast implants and specific illnesses except for a very rare lymphoma) and remember (again) that we may very likely do not have a full understanding of breast implants and the potential interactions that may occur with each patient's unique biology.   It is clear, based on the literature and my own anecdotal experience, that a significant percentage of patients who undergo breast implant removal surgery (and capsulectomy)  do experience improvement in symptomatology. On the other hand, a similarly significant percentage of patients continue to experience symptoms despite breast implant removal/capsulectomy surgery. Anecdotally, in my practice I have had one patient who has undergone a secondary capsulectomy (after previous removal of breast implants), with successful resolution of "inflammatory" symptoms postoperatively.  Again, this is anecdotal and may not apply to your case specifically.
 
  I hope this helps.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear julia taylor,
I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MD

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear of the issues you are having.  It's not possible to know whether removing the scar tissue and remaining silicone will improve your symptoms.  I encourage you to meet with a board certified plastic surgeon near you for an evaluation.  He/She can help guide you and provide options for you to consider.

Oliver Harley, FRCSEd(Plast) · Answer

Hi, I am sorry to hear you are troubled by thisit is impossible to say whether you would feel better as a result of this operation and fibromyalgia, as you correctly state, will also be making you feel like this.  silicone is supposed to be inert and 'implant illness' is not a condition which has been scientifically proven to exist.best wishes

I’ve had my implants out in 2014, but not properly. Would I feel better if all that silicone and scar tissue was taken out?

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Answer: Implant scar tissue breast removal

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I’ve had my implants out in 2014, but not properly. Would I feel better if all that silicone and scar tissue was taken out?​

Answers (4)

Answer: Implant scar tissue breast removal

Answer: Implant scar tissue breast removal

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

I’ve had my implants out in 2014, but not properly. Would I feel better if all that silicone and scar tissue was taken out?