Breast implants and multiple sclerosis (MS)

Question

I’m waiting to undergo a breast augmentation after clearance from both plastic surgeon and neurologist. Implants being only option to improve my issue. However, I’m still concerned with possible side effects from having foreign objects in the body with an autoimmune illness like MS (little research have been done on this topic). My MS is stable, I’m in good health and on Tecfidera. What is the risk of worsening the MS with implants? What should I consider? Any info/advice/experience is welcomed!

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

You are correct in stating that there is very little information about implants and MS. Nobody can tell you what the risk is and you will no doubt receive different opinions from different surgeons friending on their experience and bias. I’m sure some surgeons would say it’s no problem simply because they want to do the case. In the end it is your decision

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear mwl1708,
this is something you should discuss with your neurologist and plastic surgeon prior to surgery. 
Daniel Barrett, MDCertified, American Board of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Plastic SurgeryMember, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, you have not told us your bra size or provided photographs. You have alternatives other than breast augmentation. Often times a breast lift will give you upper pole fullness, reshape the breasts and eliminate the need for implants. The technique I recommend is The Bellesoma Method. This will reshape your breast tissue creating upper pole fullness without implants, elevate them higher on the chest wall and more medial to increase your cleavage. Vertical scars are avoided, nipple sensation (in 95%) and the ability to breast feed are maintained. Later, fat transfers can be performed if additional volume is desired.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Eric Swanson, MD · Answer

You have gotten clearance from a neurologist. I'm sure you have googled this topic as well. I have on many occasions inserted implants in patients with autoimmune conditions. There is no known link to breast implants.

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear Swedish lady,
   Sorry about your condition, however I am congratulating you on being stable and in good health. I understand your concerns but I agree with your Neurologist and plastic surgeon who cleared you for the procedure. I would suggest as an extra precaution to use smooth saline implants, which to the best of my knowledge are not associated with any side effects or product complication. Keep in mind that stress can be a contributing negative factor to MS and if the breasts implants procedure will make you happy with higher self esteem , it obviously can reduce your stress and have a positive impact on MS.
        Always consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after  pictures in the photo gallery to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive with nice cleavage , perky, desired  projection with nice slope and natural look.
                 Best of luck,
                                    Dr Widder
                        widderplasticsurgery.com

Ram Kalus, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your excellent question. As a board certified plastic surgeon for 34 years, I can share with you  about what I consider myself to be an “expert”, and about what I do not. You will hear opinions on both sides from well meaning physicians, friends, and family, or with whomever you consult.

The entire issue of breast implant associated illness (BIAI) or ASIA Syndrome has more questions than answers, And while I’m am not an expert on MS or on autoimmune disorders, here too are many questions that remain unanswered.

Our immune systems are very complex and mostly not well understood from the perspective of cause and effect. Any surgery and anesthesia can be considered a stress on the body, from which the vast majority of healthy persons recover without consequence or sequelae. inserting a breast implant may or may not have any specific direct effect, yet the decision is ultimately your own.

A breast augmentation or breast reconstruction is ultimately a procedure designed to enhance one’s quality of life. If you feel your quality of life can remain acceptable without undergoing elective surgery and anesthesia for any reason, I would probably vote for a “NO”, albeit the scientific evidence for suggesting that you might worsen your MS is poor, scant, or non-existent.

Continue with your research and consultations, and seek out a board certified plastic surgeon (or more than one), continue to discuss your situation with your family doctor, and all the specialists involved in your care. Best of luck to you.

Ted Eisenberg, DO, FACOS, FAACS · Answer

I have had MS patients who have had breast implants with no problems. Good luck. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I am not aware of any specific issues with implants and MS and have done several ladies who did have MS and implants.  Remember, surgery is a stress, and stress may flare up MS.  I would suggest using smooth implants only.

Pawel Szychta, MD, PhD, DSc · Answer

Considering breast augmentation when you have multiple sclerosis (MS) requires careful thought. While there is limited research linking breast implants to worsening MS symptoms, introducing foreign objects into the body may have unpredictable effects on autoimmune conditions. Important factors to consider include:- Potential Immune Response. Implants could potentially trigger an immune reaction, which might affect your MS.- Surgical Risks. Surgery and anesthesia carry risks that might impact your overall health and MS stability.- Medication Interactions. Discuss how the procedure might interact with Tecfidera or any other medications you're taking.
It's essential to have detailed conversations with both your plastic surgeon and neurologist. They can provide personalized advice based on your medical history and help you weigh the benefits and risks to make an informed decision.

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

At one point all silicon implants were taken off the market because incorrect news reports were released, especially by Connie Chung on CBS. 
The report gave false information that did not have any scientific basis.
These news reports created such fear that thousands of women underwent unnecessary surgery and other countless thousands of women were denied the use of silicon implants.
Companies went out of business.
Breast implant companies have been doing research for half a century or more on the impact of breast implants and have found zero correlation with the use of any type of implant with any auto immune disease. Using textured implants has a very small correlation with a rare form of lymphoma.
We don’t really know why this is but the correlation has only been with textured implants and the correlation is not particularly strong, but it is real.
 implant manufactures do not recommend to use of silicon implants on patients who have a history of these conditions.
Ultimately, you’ll have to make your own decision.
There are plenty of people who feel that implant illness is a real thing.
These syndrome with vague symptoms Can be created by placebo effect alone.
If somebody believes that implants are making them sick, then they will most likely start feeling vague symptoms of not feeling well.
If somebody doesn’t believe that implants are making them sick then they’re not going to have symptoms that they think are related to their implants.
 if your surgeon and Neurologist both agree, then move forward.
I’m not sure what else you’re looking for.
If there was scientific proof that silicon implants caused illness, then we wouldn’t be using them.
Implant companies are always going to take the most cautious approach when writing their guidelines.
They are primarily worried about liability lawsuits like what happened to Dow Corning, which went out of business.
Ultimately, this is your decision.
All surgical procedures have some inherent risk.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom MD