Can my breast implants be causing recurring strep throat?

Question

I am currently 4 years out from having bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction from breast cancer. I am currently dealing with recurring strep throat that no antibiotics can cure. Could there be an infection in my implants? Ive been researching breast implant illness as well. Can you advise? My GP is forwarding me to ENT, but Im wondering if I should consult a breast implant specialist.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Breast implant illness represents a constellation of symptoms exhibited by some augmentation patients.

While the symptoms are not in question, the association with the implants has never been medically defined or proven. Patients may pursue removal without symptomatic resolution.

With regards to your specific question, it is unlikely that your upper respiratory issues have anything to do with your implants.

As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Ryan Rebowe, MD · Answer

While not impossible, it is highly unlikely that your implants are causing recurrent infections. Generally speaking, even autoimmune diseases that may cause a recurrence of such infections are not linked to silicone implants as once thought. Breast implant illness refers to a general inflammation caused by any type of implants. While some women may report relief of some symptoms by removing their implants, it is rare to have all symptoms resolve by removing implants. In short, there should be no pathophysiologic reason that your implants would be causing that problem.

Vishnu Rumalla, MD · Answer

Thanks for your inquiry, I have not heard of breast implants being the source of recurrent strep throat and a quick review of the medical literature by me failed to find a link as well.  I am glad you are seeking the opinion of an ENT doctor, best of luck.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Access to information that will lead to understanding certain subjects on the internet can be a daunting task due to the over-abundance of misinformation and disinformation. BII is one of those subjects. Now known in the medical community as SSBI, or systemic symptoms attributed to breast implants, this phenomenon has had a lot of well designed studies show that there is no 'toxic' agent (twenty various heavy metals, silicone gel, bacterial biofilm, or endotoxins produced by bacteria) in affected women that's is significantly different than in women without implants. Further, women undergoing explant and 'en bloc' capsulectomy have no better outcome than women explanting with NO capsule removed. Finally, women with SSBI all report high levels of either anxiety or health anxiety, and indicate they prefer getting medical information on the internet instead of from doctors. In fact, the list of symptoms that BII activists claim are attributable to silicone breast implants is ever-expanding. Your recurring strep throat would be a perfect example of how this mysterious syndrome gains another symptom. So, no. Your implants are not causing your issues with infections.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear Abbaskid380,
breast implants shouldn't cause strep throat infections. I suggest you consult your ENT specialist. 
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

No, your implants are not causing your strep throat. If you still have your tonsils, you may be keeping a small spot of strep there which can flair up at any time. Please go see an ENT physician. Should your implants become infected, your breast will turn red, hot swell, and be painful. It will be obvious if you have a breast infection.  However, every time you have an infection, it does put your implants at risk since the infection can then spread to your implants. Your heart and kidneys are also at risk.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

There is no known link between breast implants causing recurrent strep throat.  I hope you find some resolution from the ENT.  I've included a video about BII that I hope you find helpful.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

If you’re not having any problems with your breast implants, then I suggest you try to keep the thinking simple and focus on your strep throat.
If You’re having strep throat then you shouldn’t be seeking the help of a plastic surgeon.
If there was a problem with your implants, you’d most likely be having issues with your implants.
I’m reluctant to bring up information that can cause confusion and possibly add anxiety.
There is an unusual condition that happens to some individuals who have implanted devices(this can happen with any type of implant like vascular implants, etc., etc.)
Any implanted device can become contaminated during surgery with a very slow growing bacteria called Staphylococcus epidermidis. This bacteria does not create clinical infections, is very difficult to detect, and it’s not an issue for the great majority of individuals who have implants of any kind.
If this bacteria contaminates breast implants patients risk for developing capsular contractions that become recurrent but not other conditions and NOT strep throat. 
Staphylococcus epidermidis Does not create clinically evident infections. 
For throat problems you need to go see throat doctors.
Don’t jump to conclusions and I’m sure your ENT provider will be able to explain things for you and hopefully get this resolved.
I hope they’re able to get you fixed up soon.
Mats Hagstrom MD

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