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.

Steve Laverson, MD, FACS · Answer

"Toxic Shock" syndrome refers to the specific clinical presentation of a particular bacterial infection which may or may not be associated with a foreign body such as a breast implant.  Years after breast augmentation, acute infection of an established implant has been reported.  Although rare, these type of implant infections follow trauma or surgery or infection in another area of the body which stimulated bacteremia (bacteria in the bloodstream).  When circulating bacteria aggregate upon a foreign body such as a breast implant, eradication of these bacteria by normal immune mechanisms is impaired.

Marc Everett, MD, FACS · Answer

Just like the other board certified plastic surgeons on this panel, I would concur that I too have never heard of toxic shock syndrome ensuing after breast augmentation in the immediate post-op period or anytime thereafter.  Toxic Shock Syndrome is a the result of Staphylcoccus (or less commonly Strep) toxins released from contamination and reproduction usually on a spongy absorptive surface such as a tampon or nasal packing.  The presence of viable Staph or Strep in the implant pocket, if your body's host defenses cannot dispatch it, would result in an infection of the implant and the tissues surrounding it, rather than toxic shock syndrome.  This would most likely present in the first 2-4 weeks after the implant was placed and the risk would rapidly drop off after that, assuming no new bacteria is introduced into the implant pocket.

Sybile Val, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

I have never heard of a patient getting toxic shock syndrome from breast implants. Not to say it couldn’t happen, but it would be extremely rare.

Can toxic shock develop years after getting breast implants?

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