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.

Risk for Getting a Silicone Allergy from Breast Implants?

Answers (9)

Answer: Latex and Silicone are not related

Answer: Latex and Silicone are not related

Answer: Not likely

Answer: Not likely

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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

Risk for Getting a Silicone Allergy from Breast Implants?

Answers (9)

Answer: Latex and Silicone are not related

Answer: Latex and Silicone are not related

Answer: Not likely

Answer: Not likely

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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