I have chemical toxicity from silicone breast implants. Should I proceed with explanting?

Question

I have just been told that my dizzy symptoms and tightness in my neck/ throat are due to chemical toxicity from my silicone memory gel breast implants. I have been recommended I get a total capsulectomy, detox, and treat coinfections if there are any. My question is... Is there any chance that my symptoms will go away if I do not explant (only have had implants 5 months)? And if I do explant, will I get better (no longer feel dizzy)??

Richard H. Fryer, MD · Answer

If you suspect you aren't tolerating the implants then simply remove them.  Your symptoms may, or may not improve.  Make sure that you are getting your advice from reputable sources and physicians.Here is a statement from a very LONG article from the NCBI (national center for biotechnology information), which also happens to be the only scholarly information that I could find regarding silicone toxicity.  "In general, there do not appear to be long-term systemic toxic effects from silicone gel implants or from unsuspected compounds in these gels or elastomers detected by these animal experiments." (NCBI website: "Safety of Silicone Breast Implants")Google that article and it is exhaustive in representing the data about breast implants.I have removed many breast implants safely under local anesthesia in my office (which makes it quite affordable for the patients).  Mostly for women who no longer desire the increased volume.  Occasionally women believe that they are "allergic" to the implants or claim this silicone toxicity.  I personally do not believe it is possible to be allergic to silicone, nor do I personally believe in silicone toxicity.  However, I frequently tell patients that this is not an operation that we perform to make you look different, we perform the operation to help you FEEL differently about how you look.  If the implants make you FEEL negatively for any reason, then simply remove them.  I think I have had two or maybe three patients in total out of hundreds who have had their symptoms improve.I specifically, but respectfully disagree with the advice to perform complete capsulectomy, and removal of axillary lymph nodes.  You are exposing yourself  to greater surgical risks and greater risks for long-term complications (lymph-edema) without likely any improved chances of having your symptoms resolve.

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

hello gymgirlmlIf your plastic surgeon has advised you get an explant done, it is best to follow the advice. you can visit or contact your plastic surgeon about this concern. #explant #options

Susan Kolb, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

I have treated over 3000 patients ill from defective breast implants.  You will need total capsulectomy, removal of silicone laden axillary lymph nodes, antifungals for several months, immune support, silicone and chemical detox, and treatment of co infections in order to recover your health.  Doctors who do not understand this complex illness often claim it does not exist.  Explantation alone is not enough.

Robert E. Zaworski, MD (retired) · Answer

In my 35 plus years as a board certified plastic surgeon doing thousands of breast augmentations, I have never had one patient who truly had chemical toxicity from silicone implants.  My advise to anyone who feels they are having problems with their implants is to take them out.  At the time of explant the capsule should be removed, as well.

I have chemical toxicity from silicone breast implants. Should I proceed with explanting?

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I have chemical toxicity from silicone breast implants. Should I proceed with explanting?

Answers (4)

Answer: Explant

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

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