Is there a specific blood test you can have before getting silicone implants to test for sensitivities?

Question

Or allergies to silicone? Also, Is it possible that silicone implants can cause autoimmune problems?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Blood testing for the small levels of toxicity that may be present can be performed but there is no commonly used standard.   It is generally not found in any appreciable levels in the blood.  The ELISA/ACT ® LRA test, an immunological test used to indicate toxic burden and hypersensitivities, is one of the only clinical procedures that can be used to test for reactivity to silicone. There is no definitive test to determine if your implants are the cause of your illnesses. The body’s manifestation of symptoms is the best indication of a reaction.  Most lab work is found to be relatively normal, even for patients who are symptomatic.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

There is a great deal of unsubstantiated myth peddled on the internet. Physician scientists may recognize anecdotal data but unless it is supported by Class I empiric data, it is difficult to place a great deal of faith in it. Clinicians should make decisions based upon evidence based medicine as this is the best tool we have to evaluate new and emerging treatments and technologies. Any claim can be made about anything, but unless verified it is difficult to put too great a degree of stock in it. 
That being said, it is easier to identify what one knows rather than what one doesn't. What we do know is that by all available measures today...implants are safe and specifically silicone implants are safe.
Silicone breast implants are among the safest medical devices in use today. These devices are also among the most rigorously studied and tested medical devices currently being used in the U.S. today. It is biologically inert and in that respect no different than the titanium used for bony fixation. With regards to your specific question, there has been no documented connection between autoimmune disease and silicone gel breast implants. Sensitivity testing is not necessary.
As always, discuss your concerns with a board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).
Donovan Rosas MD
Board Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons
RealSelf Top 100
RealSelf Hall of Fame

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question.  Silicone implants have never been causally responsible for the development of autoimmune disorders and a sensitivity test is not needed.  Hope this helps.

Pejman Aflaki, MD · Answer

Hello
and thank you for your question. There is no proved link between breast
implants and autoimmune diseases. Silicone is inert and it is not necessary to perform a sensitivity test beforehand.
Best,
Pejman
Aflaki, M.D.
Johns
Hopkins-trained double board-certified plastic surgeon

Farbod Esmailian, MD · Answer

Approximately 80% of the breast augmentations performed are with silicone implants.  Silicone implants, not just breast implants, are ubiquitous in the medical arena.  Silicone is inert and does not react with the human body.  There is no blood test to test for any autoimmune disorders in relation to breast implants.As far as we know, there is no relationship with breast implants and autoimmune illnesses and any other illness.  Having said that, there are explants that I have performed and the patient feels better and has improved symptoms.  As well as implants that I have performed and that surgery has changed the patients life for the better by improving the patients self esteem and body image.Ultimately you have to thing about what you are trying to address by considering breast implants and then see a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your options.Hope that helps.

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

There is no evidence that allergy to silicone exists and there is significant evidence showing that silicone implants DO NOT cause autoimmune problems. This is why silicone is found in essentially every medical implantable device. There is no need for testing in advance as the silicone is essentially inert in the body. The only way to know if you are a good candidate is to book a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon near you to see what your options are. Best of luck!

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear tamarc,
There have been numerous studies on the safety and efficacy of silicone breast implants. The FDA has approved them to be safe and breast augmentation is the most common cosmetic surgical procedure performed in the United States every year. Implants are much different than they used to be with rigorous testing and cohesive gel. I can't tell you how happy my breast augmentation patients have been with their implants.
I would recommend a consult with a plastic surgeon to go over all of your concerns. Saline implants are also a perfectly good option if you are still concerned and are less expensive.
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Daniel Zeichner, MD · Answer

Silicone is ubiquitous. It is in our food, it is in beauty products, chewing gum, adhesives, cookware, lubricants, sealants,  and shampoo. It is used to coat surgical needles to reduce penetration resistance. Prosthetic joints are composed of silicone. Cardiac implants are coated with silicone.  It is biologically inert and causes no tissue reaction. There appears to be an extremely rare condition called idiosyncratic silicone hypersensitivity where  an allergic reaction may develop in susceptible individuals.  
Blood silicone levels are not utilized as their value is questionable. 
Best wishes...

Is there a specific blood test you can have before getting silicone implants to test for sensitivities?

Answers (8)

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