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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.
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 MDBoard Certified by the American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember: American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic SurgeonsRealSelf Top 100RealSelf Hall of Fame
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.
Helloand thank you for your question. There is no proved link between breastimplants and autoimmune diseases. Silicone is inert and it is not necessary to perform a sensitivity test beforehand.Best,PejmanAflaki, M.D.JohnsHopkins-trained double board-certified plastic surgeon
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.
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!
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, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
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...
Based on your description of stable multiple sclerosis over two years, and obtaining medical clearance for the breast implants from your neurologist, you should be able to proceed with breast augmentation. Consult in person with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss any side effects of c...
Dear Time4 me61, there is very, very small chance of getting a fungal infection of breast implants. The two main types of implants are silicone and saline. The shell of the implants can be either textured (which reduces capsular contracture) or smooth. A textured implant...
Thank you for your question. Choosing what type and size of breast implants can be difficult. A good starting point is to book an in-person consultation with a plastic surgeon who will understand your overall goals, take measurements, and assess skin tone. These factors will help to determin...
Hello and thank you for the question and sharing your photos. An in-person consultation is needed to give you a useful advice and I would suggest that you discuss this with your plastic surgeon. Many factors including patient's desired breast size, skin envelope (both quality and quantity) a...
Hello and thank you for your question. There is no evidenced-based correlation between breast implants and auto-immune diseases or osteoarthritis. I would consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon for a full discussion. Best wishes and good luck, Pejman Aflaki, M.D. Johns Hopkins-trained ...
Thank you for your question. Without and in person evaluation it is hard to determine what size implant would be best. Choosing the implant size is based on a few factors, diameter of breast, nipple to crease distance etc. The final cup size is also dependent on the amount of breast tissue on...
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