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.

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

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

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

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

Answers (8)

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

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

Answer: Silicone Breast Augmentation

Answer: Silicone Breast Augmentation

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