Should I have my lymph node in my armpit which has silicone it in removed? It has leaked from my implants

Question

Yesterday I had an ultrasound scan due to finding a lump in my arm pit where my lymph node is. The doctor said my breast implant has ruptured and the silicone has leaked into my armpit which is the lump. He said I need to have my implants out and the lump removed. But another surgeon said to leave it. I'm am so confused. I don't know what to do. I have also been in severe pain and been in hospital having muscle cramps and joint pain.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

Sorry to hear that you are in pain. When an implant ruptures the best thing to do is have it removed particularly if it is causing you symptoms. #PlasticSurgery #BreastAug #Implants #BreastImplants #implantrupture #silicone

Francis Johns, MD · Answer

If the lump you are feeling is the ruptured implant and it is causing pain, that pain will only get worse the longer the implant stays inside your body.  The body's natural response is to form a capsule around anything foreign in the body, ie why you can get a capsular contracture with breast augmentation.  If that implant is ruptured the body will form a capsule around it and continue to harden and cause more pain.  It may not worsen overnight, but leaving the implant in place will not help it get any better.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I do recommend having ruptured silicone implants removed. If the lymph node is tender and easily assessable, you might have it removed as well. However, there could be more than one lymph node present with silicone, and I do not recommend removing all your lymph nodes for a benign problem.

Melissa Johnson, MD · Answer

My suggestion would be to remove the ruptured silicone, both implant and nodule if possible.  It sounds like it is symptomatic so why would you want to leave it?

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

As long as enlarged lymph node is from silicone leak it can be left alone.  However it is ok to have it removed also. Thus both options are correct.

Scott E. Kasden, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi sophie1984It is unlikely that the silicone has any role in your pains, etc.  Science has proven no link.  However, if you are in the hospital now, ask for full work up including possibly from a rheumatologist.Nobody can really advise you on the lymph node removal, as we don't have enough clinical information.  I advise that you pick a surgeon you trust and go with it.  Be sure that all clinical data is evaluated when making your decisions.One thing to take into consideration is how superficial the node is.  Does the surgeon feel that the procedure be very risky?sek

Joseph Franklin, MD · Answer

Silicone breast implants which have leaked need to be removed and replaced.   Any swollen lymph node which doesn't resolve spontaneously needs to have an excisional biopsy (i.e., it should be removed, too).   Schedule an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area.

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.

Having said that, you should go see your plastic surgeon and discuss the options again. It seems to me that you would feel better having it removed. A tender lymph node is no fun.

Best wishes,

Dr. Michael J. Brown 
Northern Virginia Plastic Surgeon

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Should I have my lymph node in my armpit which has silicone it in removed? It has leaked from my implants

Answers (8)

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