Could a silicone implant rupture have caused an allergic reaction?

Question

Hello I had silicone implants placed 4 years ago with no issues. This week, my breasts started feeling itchy and progressed to inflamed, swollen, painful. I developed hives over my body as well and my nipples developed mild discharge. It felt like when I had mastitis post babies but with no fever or systemic illness. The discharge from my nipples showed eosinophils with no bacteria and ultrasound showed inflammation bilaterally. Waiting for MRI. Have you seen this type of reaction before?

Mehmet Surmeli, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hi, Silicone polymers used in breast implants are inert materials, so they don't usually cause allergic reactions. However, there are exceptions. Silicone leaks may trigger a foreign body inflammatory reaction, or degraded silicone byproducts could cause an allergic reaction.  Additionally, some older implants contained impurities that could lead to responses. While rare, these situations highlight the importance of seeking medical attention if an implant ruptures. An MRI can confirm the rupture, and along with physical changes in the breast, may necessitate surgery. My comments and recommendations are solely based on your text and are subject to change. I always recommend a face-to-face consultation with a specialist to plan the treatment. Best wishes, Dr. Surmeli.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear msbatana,
I understand your concern. It is unlikely that implant rupture cased allergic reaction. 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 or ask for a second opinion. Only after a thorough examination, you can get proper recommendations and advice.
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Andrew Wolfe, MD · Answer

Thanks for question and sorry to hear about  your challenges.  It is very unlikely that your allergic reaction is a response to your implants.  There are rare case reports showing possible local or systemic reactions to breast implants but the literature remains conflicted.  Although I have not seen reactions like this, you cannot absolutely rule out something implant-related.  Keep in mind that the implant shell is silicone, so an intact implant can (rarely) cause reactions, as well.  It sounds like you are seeing a physician already, who should be able to help you navigate this problem and hopefully find a cause.  In many allergic reactions, no definitive cause is found, and the symptoms resolve.  Topical or systemic steroids and antihistamines are often helpful.   Best of luck!

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear of the issues you've been having.  It would be unlikely for your implants to have caused an allergic reaction four years after surgery.  It sounds like you are working with medical specialists to determine what may be occurring.  Hopefully you will get your answer soon.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I have seen this with a subclinical case of infection around the implants. I would suggest trying a round of antibiotics to see if it can calm down and quickly. If not, the implants may need to be removed.  You may need IV antibiotics.

Could a silicone implant rupture have caused an allergic reaction?

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