What is exactly in the a breast implant shell?

Question

I am a medical professional and have discovered allergies to several things that prevent me from wearing many medical gloves. On the TRUE test, I reacted to Carba-Mix, and can only wear select vinyl gloves without issue. Not a Latex or Nitrile allergy, just this common accelerator group additive. It is possible that something similar is in the shell of implants? Do manufacturers offer specifics on the content of the shells?

Joe Gryskiewicz, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Unsure,The outer shell of breast implants is made of a solid silicone sheet.  Then the inside is either silicone gel like jelly or is filled with salt water.  I have never heard of or read about an allergy to the shell, because it is so non-reactive with our immune systems.  That said, you may want to just avoid an implant all together and not risk it.  IYou can seek an opinion for a local surgeon who is skilled in the latest methods of fat transfer to the breast.  Good luck, "Dr. Joe"

Roxanne Sylora, MD · Answer

The outside shell of both saline and silicone implants are made of a silicone elastomer.  The exact ingredients are likely to vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.  They may be willing to share the ingredient list with you.  Implants available in other countries have a lot more variable components, however.

Don W. Griffin, MD · Answer

I would recommend that you contact the implant manufacturers customer service line and asking them for detailed chemical components in the shell.

Ryan Neinstein, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Yes the shells are elastomers of silicone in multiple layers there are other things in implants such as zinc. It is possible to be tested for allergies which is a good idea before implantation

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

The shell of a breast implant, whether gel or saline, is made of the rubber form of silicone.   The gel implant shell is HTV silicone (heat temperature vulcanizing) and the saline is RTV silicone or Room Temperature vulcanizing).

Hilton Becker, MD · Answer

A silicone shell consists of  a sheet of solid silicone formed in to the shape of the implant.Different manufacturers add various curing agents to the material.If the implant is textured salt  other crystals  or foam may be used to form the textured surface.With regards to specifics it would be best to contact the manufacturer directly.

Jeremy Pyle, MD · Answer

The shell of implants are made of silicone. I have never heard of an individual having an allergic reaction to this shell though, I suppose, anything is possible, including that. I would encourage you to research the issue further with the implant company for the implant that you choose.  I would be hesitant to trust my or any other physician without absolute first hand knowledge of the specific manufacturing processes about the tools and materials that your implants are exposed to during manufacture.Best,Dr Pyle

Scott L. Replogle, MD (retired) · Answer

The shell of standard smooth, round silicone gel-filled or saline-filled breast implants is silicone rubber which is the same material used for all sorts of other silicone devices and implants. It is used for the same reason that the body cannot react to it in the form of an inflammatory or allergic response. The body reacts to it like it does to any foreign body with a smooth surface such as stainless steel or titanium. What's different about breast implants is what they're filled with -- silicone gel or saline -- and the surface of the shell -- either smooth or textured. The body's tissues react to a smooth surface foreign body by forming a scar tissue layer around it. This is called the capsule. Problems seem to arise by things trapped into the interface between the implant shell and the capsule such as bacteria, blood, or glove dust. The other issue is a textured surface implant shell which can prevent the tissues from forming a normal capsule around the shell of the implant and sometimes will lock in the shell of the implant to the capsule (desirable for shaped implants) and may also serve to prevent capsule contracture. Capsule contracture has not been seen to be caused by silicone or silicone rubber. One of the aphorisms of medicine is to "never say never" but it seems impossible for the body's tissues to react to smooth silicone rubber in an allergic or inflammatory way and I would be more concerned about the issue of a textured shell or capsule contracture from other causes.

John Squires, MD (retired) · Answer

The implant shells are made of silicone polymers. These are
very similar to the tubing of JP drains. I have never heard of anyone who is
allergic to silicone polymer but I guess it could happen. I have sample
implants that you could wear inside your bra for a few days to see if you have
any reaction. Seek a plastic surgeon who is certified by the
American Board of Plastic Surgery who specializes in cosmetic plastic surgery,
as evidenced by membership in The American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Ask to see many pre and post op photos and speak with previous patients.

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What is exactly in the a breast implant shell?

Answers (9)

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