Removing Silicone Gel from Breast Tissue?

Good question- why do we remove ruptured silicone gel from outside the capsule. The answer is for a number of reasons. The gel is considered inert and should not lead to long term problems but usually is very firm. This may cause contour defects, may be uncomfortable, may interfere with cancer screening as it may always feel like a lump. Better to remove unless it is in a very difficult position such as deep in the armpit.

Silicone gel breast implant ruptures, which are seen with the older breast implants, can result in gel migrating beyond the implant capsule and into the surrounding breast tissue and fat. The breast could become painful, hard ,and distorted.  The old gel can stimulate local thickening of the tissues (silicone granulomas).  To control the body's reaction to the free gel, removal of the residual gel and gel thickened tissue is advisable. The amount of affected tissue removed should be modified by good judgement.  Excessive tissue removal can have untoward cosmetic consequences.  Discuss these potential consequences with your surgeon prior to your surgery.

Fortunately, the new generation of gel implants, currently approved by the FDA, appear much safer.  The new gel is thicker and (if the outer envelope is disrupted) should not spread through the tissues like the old fashioned silicone gel. To date, we have not seen, in our practice, a cohesive (gummy bear) gel implant rupture.

Best Regards,