Can your body reject butt implants because they are made of silicone?

Question

I have heard of "breast implant illness" from the silicone in implants, is this why some people's body rejects butt implants? I already had a failed BBL with NO fat left to transfer. Will my previous BBL cause butt implant rejection? Is silicone implant rejection a real thing?

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Removal of breast implants, intact or ruptured, may have positive implications if patients are symptomatic. A constellation of symptoms associated with breast implant illness, and autoimmune disease are considered when treating patients who have breast implants and are concerned about foreign body reaction. In our office, we begin this journey with a consideration of symptoms and exclusion of obvious autoimmune problems. In many of our patients, en bloc removal of breast implants with capsulectomy is important and beneficial. Further clinical evidence about breast implant illness is evolving and will continue to guide treatment. I would suggest removal if there is a possibility of foreign body reaction.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Ryan A. Stanton, MD · Answer

In the true sense of the word “rejection”, the body does not technically reject silicone because it is very inert. On the other hand silicone gel or liquid can be very inflammatory provoking, migrate, and lead to a lot of scar tissue which causes severe hardening, discoloration and deformation of normal anatomy. Silicone rubber on the other hand does not cause these problems because the interaction of the tissue with the rubber is much less stimulating. Glad to be of help.

Douglas M. Senderoff, MD, FACS · Answer

With the right surgeon and the right size implant you should be fine.  Be sure to choose a board certified plastic surgeon that specializes in this procedure and is well known in the medical community for it.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

Buttock implants are a solid silicone material not a gel silicone material like that of breast implants. Thus while infection is always a risk, rejection is not.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

The typical reason why a buttocks implant extrudes is because the implant chosen is too large to fit in the gluteus major muscle. The second cause of extrusion is when the implant is not placed in the muscle but rather in a subfascial plane. Silicone allergy and rejection is not really observed.

Can your body reject butt implants because they are made of silicone?

Answers (5)

Answer: Buttock Implants

Answer: Buttock Implants

Answer: Silicone butt implant rejection

Answer: Silicone butt implant rejection

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Butt Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Can your body reject butt implants because they are made of silicone?

Answers (5)

Answer: Buttock Implants

Answer: Buttock Implants

Answer: Silicone butt implant rejection

Answer: Silicone butt implant rejection

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Butt Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.