Can toxic shock develop years after getting breast implants?

Question

I'm aware that very rarely patients can develop toxic shock in the days following a breast augment. Does the risk completely subside after that period? Is it possible months or even years down the line?

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. I have not heard of toxic shock after breast augmentation procedure. You should discuss your concerns and aesthetic goals with a board-certified plastic surgeon. Best,
Pejman Aflaki, M.D.                                             
Johns
Hopkins-trained double board-certified plastic surgeon

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I assume your question can be reworded to ask "Can breast implants become toxic?"  The TEXTURED breast implants are linked to breast implant associated-anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALC), a cancer of the immune system.  The FDA reports that BIA-ALCL may develop in 1 in between 3,817 to 30,000 women with textured breast implants.  As of this date, the risk appears to be very small.  In most cases, BIA-ALCL is found in the scar tissue and fluid near the implant but can be widespread. The most common test for ALCL is to take a biopsy of an enlarged lymph node and check it for lymphoma cells. After three years, 93 percent of BIA-ALCL patients are disease-free when the condition is detected and treated early, according to American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery data.  If silicone implants are ruptured, the implants should be removed as well as remaining silicone material that has extruded.  Silicone is  relatively inert, and I would not anticipate a change in antibodies after removal.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear sparklejumpropekween,
it is unlikely that breast implants will cause toxic shock. The infection caused by breast implants occurs in most cases in early postoperative period. If you have any concerns, I suggest you to discuss them with your plastic surgeon. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

You are incorrect, TSS has never occured with breast implants (staphylococcus aureus toxin induced illness), and any infection is very rare and never fatal.

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

Breast Implant infections years out are very rare.  Can it happen, yes, is it very likely, no.  In some rare cases, a patient could have an infection in another part of their body which could lead to "seeding" the implant and then causing an infection of the implant.Hope that helps.

Can toxic shock develop years after getting breast implants?

Answers (8)

Answer: Do You Mean Toxic Shock Syndrome?

Answer: Do You Mean Toxic Shock Syndrome?

Answer: Breast Implant Related Infection

Answer: Breast Implant Related Infection

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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

Can toxic shock develop years after getting breast implants?

Answers (8)

Answer: Do You Mean Toxic Shock Syndrome?

Answer: Do You Mean Toxic Shock Syndrome?

Answer: Breast Implant Related Infection

Answer: Breast Implant Related Infection

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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