Risk for Getting a Silicone Allergy from Breast Implants?

Question

Alredy have latex sensitivity and question if silicone breast augmentation could trigger allergic reaction

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

Silicones are derived from Silica which is an entirely different substance from latex allergies which are secondary to proteins from rubber plants. In fact, when someone is allergic to latex, we use silicone products to substiture. For example bladder catheters are made of latex but in a patient with latex allergy, we use silicone bladder catheters. This is not to say that silicone allergy does not exist. However, this is controversial. Some researchers have identified silicone antibodies in the blood stream. Yet, we do not know what the significance of these antibodies mean and whether they are assocaited with any disease state.

Armando Soto, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi there-
There is no reason to believe that silicone implants could lead to an allergy or sensitivity to silicone.
Unlike latex, which can cause these problems (as you know), silicone is inert, meaning that your body will not react to it.
Hope that helps.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

As far as I know, there is not such thing as a silicone allergy. It is an inert product. Yes, patients can have an allergy to latex but they are unrelated.

Robert S. Houser, DO · Answer

Latex and silicone are not related. When people say that they "rejected" a silicone implant, that is generally a misunderstanding. Implants sometimes are removed because of infection or dissatisfaction (rare), but not because the person developed an allergy to the implant.

Scott E. Kasden, MD, FACS · Answer

Silicone is inert, and shoud not give you a problem. However, there are anecdotal reports of problems with silicone. The science is against this theory. Remember that the saline implant is actually a silicone envelope containing salt water, and therefore both the saline and silicone implants contain silicone. This is a hard choice but discuss it with you surgeon and perhaps rheumatologist. In the end you may wind up flipping a coin do to conflicting information.

Bahram Ghaderi, MD · Answer

Silicone is all around us and we have all been exposed to it. It is an inert substance and you will not have an allergic reaction even if you are allergic to latex. Good question but feel comfortable that there will be no allergic reaction if you are considering breast implant surgery.

Kenneth R. Francis, MD, FACS · Answer

O.T.,
Silicone is an inert substance and is not associated with allergic reactions.  Also, silicone is a ubiquitous substance (i.e. found widely in the environment in foodstuffs and other products).  So, you have likely been exposed to it somewhere.  If your question is will the silicone trigger a latex allergic response, again the answer is no.  There is no latex in breast implants and they are manufactured in a latex and talc free environment.  Be sure your plastic surgeon is aware of your latex allergy so that latex free gloves and other surgical equipment only are used.  Good luck!

George J. Beraka, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi!  I have been a breast implant investigator and I can tell you that implants are quite safe.
Just make sure you really believe this before having surgery, because you don't want to put anything inside your body that will make you anxious, even if the anxiety is not justified.

Robert M. Jensen, MD (retired) · Answer

I have operated on a number of women with Latex allergy who have silicone implants. I have never seen an allergic reaction to silicone implants in these or any other patients. Since Silicone is an inert substance, it is extremely unlikely to develop an allergic reaction.

Risk for Getting a Silicone Allergy from Breast Implants?

Answers (9)

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