Risks of Allergic Reaction to Breast Implants?

Question

I have very sensitive skin and have to be careful what products I use on my skin. For example Hair colours burn my scalp and skin so cannot dye my hair, cannot wear earrings as they irritate my ears and go red and sore...certain products dry my skin and cause it to go red. My question is, I am having a Breast Augmentation in 2 weeks and I'm worried I will have a reaction to them. Should I be concerned?

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

A true allergy to silicone is rare. In fact in most instances when patients are allergic to latex products, we use silicone as a substitute. Despite the fact that we rarely see true clinical allergy, there are those individuals who will claim that they are allergic to the implants. The symptoms they describe are not typical of an allergic reaction. They cite the presence of silicone antibodies (which do truly exist) as evidence. However, antibodies can exist without allergy so this is very weak proof. Other junk science advocates report that the platinum used as a catalyst may be a source of allergy. This too, remains conjecture.

Reza Rod, MD · Answer

Even patients with sensitive skin can have breast implants.  Silicone allergy is also feared in eye contacts but a true allergy to the substance is rare.  Speak with a dermatologist that can test your allergy to silicone and several other substances.  There are reasons why breast implants may not be  right for a patient, but allergies to silicone are not one of them.

Peter D. Geldner, MD · Answer

No one has demonstrated a true allergic reaction to silicone. There are valid concerns about long term placement of silicone objects in the body, however, there is nothing to suggest an allergic reaction ti implants. Should further studies be done to study the fate of implants, absolutely. But there is little to suggest that they are unsafe.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

There are no allergies that I know of to breast implants. The product contains either saline or silicone and both are inert.

Christopher L. Hess, MD · Answer

There are many people who have sensitivities to various chemicals.  This is especially true of latex which is in many medical devices.  However, breast implants have a shell made of a silicone elastomer.  Silicone is inert and therefore does not react with anything.  So although it is theoretically possible to be allergic to silicone it's highly improbable.

Risks of Allergic Reaction to Breast Implants?

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Answer: Allergy and breast implants

Answer: Allergy and breast implants

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Answer: Allergies to Breast Implants

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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Risks of Allergic Reaction to Breast Implants?

Answers (9)

Answer: Allergy and breast implants

Answer: Allergy and breast implants

Answer: Allergies to Breast Implants

Answer: Allergies to Breast Implants

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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.