Leakage of silicone implants: what happens to the body if a silicone breast implant leaks?

Question

What happens to the body/tissues when or if a silicone breast implant, made in approx 1990 leaks, breaks, comes out of the capsule, or somehow gets into the tissues of the body? Would there be any symptoms or way to tell that it was in your body and how long could it go undetected? Has their been studies performed on this and where do you find information? Sorry so many questions we just wanted to know the consequences of leakage/breakage of silicone on the body/tissues. Thank you.

Luis A. Mejia, MD · Answer

hello thank you for youes question and provided information as well..It is normal for the body to form a wall of scar tissue called a capsule around the implant when it is placed. over time, the capsule can become denser, thicker, to cause firmness and a change in the shape of the breast. If the implant cover ruptures and leaks, the capsule may become thicker and may cause further discomfort and pain. The problem if the capsule is broken due to trauma, for example, the silicone can disperse and be more difficult to eliminate since it is a foreign body.  If your implants are almost 30 years old, I would recommend that you check your implants and that they are probably replaced.I would recommend that you obtain a consultation from a certified plastic surgeon in your area.So in person all possible doubts are clarified.

Donovan Rosas, MD · Answer

Silicone implants are safe. Period
Breast Implant Illness  and silicone related medical complications are controversial topics. It is a phenomenon which is supported by a wealth of anecdotal data (patient testimony) but no empiric data (hard scientific research). Patient reports a litany of symptoms which they attribute to their implants but the connection is difficult if not impossible to prove via laboratory study.
Physician scientists may recognize anecdotal data but unless it is supported by Class I empiric data, it is difficult to place a great deal of faith in it. Clinicians make decisions based upon evidence based medicine. 
That being said, it is easier to identify what one knows rather than what one doesn't.
What we do know is that by all available measures today...implants are safe and specifically silicone implants are safe.
Silicone breast implants are among the safest medical devices in use today. These devices are also among the most rigorously studied and tested medical devices currently being used in the U.S. today. It is biologically inert  and in that respect no different than the titanium used for bony fixation. There has been no demonstrated link between silicone and the commonly cited myth of autoimmune disease.
Finally, although very rare, there is a correlation between textured silicone devices and BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma). This is an exceedingly rare phenomenon whose cases number in the hundreds worldwide. Due to the fact that presentation may take years to occur post implantation, the number of cases is likely to rise. 
Until more data is available many are shifting their practice back to smooth round devices as there has yet to be a documented case in the setting of a non-textured device. It is important to remember that there has never been a documented case in the setting of a smooth device. Additionally, those cases that have been documented have been cured with removal and capsular excision.With regards to your specific question...what happens to the body if a silicone implant leaks?...nothing. The silicone leakage is generally contained within the capsule. There are generally, no outward signs of a leak which is why surveillance MRI exams at 2 year intervals are recommended (and rarely obtained).
As always, discuss your concerns with your board certified plastic surgeon (ABPS).

Rick Rosen, MD · Answer

The body forms a wall of scar tissue called a capsule around the implant when it is placed. Over time that capsule can get thicker causing discomfort, firmness and a change in shape of the breast. If the implant shell breaks down and leaks then the capsule may get thicker and cause further contracture. This "wall" contains the material within the capsule. The problem if the capsule breaks due to trauma for example then the silicone can get dispersed and more difficult to get out. If your implants are almost 30 years old, and also have a thinner shell from back then and a less cohesive silicone gel fill, I would recommend you have your implants checked and probable replaced. I would recommend you get a consultation from a board certified plastic surgeon in your area.

Leakage of silicone implants: what happens to the body if a silicone breast implant leaks?

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Leakage of silicone implants: what happens to the body if a silicone breast implant leaks?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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