Dr. Thomas Cronin implanted silicone in 1978. Now have symptoms of Raynaud's Disease.

Question

Prob began rupture by 1986--did nothing . Nov. 2014 (35 yr. later) had implant and implant material removed by Dr. Ernest Cronin. It had really spread even to lymph nodes. Got new safer implants. Even Dr. Trubrow on Botched said that silicone can trigger an autoimmune response. Have appt. with family doctor Friday. But I am very scared of scleroderma! Some say silicone can't cause that, but this was 35 year old silicone. Please answer.

Alejandro Nogueira, MD · Answer

Even with free silicone and siliconomas at the lyph nodes, there is no reason to link any autoimmune disease to that event.

Scott E. Kasden, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi FocusBCI agree with others here.  Silicone gel implants were put on a moratorium from 1992 to 2006 due to fears of links to autoimmune diseases, as well as other health concerns.  During that period, many, many, many, well controlled and designed studies were carried out to answer these concerns.  There is no link to any of these diseases.You did not mention your smoking status.  If you smoke, quit.  Keep your digits covered when in cold areas.  Having "symptoms of Raynaud's Disease" doesn't mean you have the problem, or that there is a link to Scleroderma.Still, go to your doctor and get this situation diagnosed, and see if there is a treatment for you.Se

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Any stress, and surgery is a stress, can trigger an autoimmune response.  However, there is no medical data to support that silicone causes scleroderma. Many years of research has shown that silicone implants were and are still safe. Genetics and diet can play a big role in scleroderma.

Dr. Thomas Cronin implanted silicone in 1978. Now have symptoms of Raynaud's Disease.

Answers (3)