I just had my saline implants removed after 16 years. Why is one yellow? (Photo)

Question

I have had weird health issues for a long time now and I know they're related to implants. But now they are out, do I need to take any antifungals or other given the yellowing? These are 16 year old saline implants. One was calcified capsule (I believe it's the one that is yellow).

Nelson Castillo, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your question and photographs.  It is unclear as to why some implants will yellow over time with some thoughts feeling it is degradation of the silicone polymer that creates the shell of the implant, while others feel it is absorpotion of serous components of the patient's body.  In either case the change is not thought to be dangerous.  Hope this helps.

Kamran Khoobehi, MD · Answer

I have seen this when removing implants and usually related to blood in the implant pocket. The blood around implant causes capsular contracture and would explain the discoloration of the implant. Did you have hardness of breast since augmentation?

I just had my saline implants removed after 16 years. Why is one yellow? (Photo)

Answers (2)