Should I remove 14 yr old saline implants with recent multiple auto immune diagnoses or can I leave them in?

Question

When I was 28, I got saline breast implants. I'm now 42 & was recently diagnosed with scleroderma, lupus, & rheumatoid arthritis. I read that autoimmune disorders like mine could possibly be due to breast implants & that if they are 10-15 yrs old, they should be removed. I've never had a single problem in 14 yrs, & my mammograms are always negative. With my recent diagnosis of auto immune disorders, should I remove, replace, or leave them alone? I have no pain, no leaks, no ruptures.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Removal of breast implants, intact or ruptured, may have positive implications if patients are symptomatic. A constellation of symptoms associated with breast implant illness, and autoimmune disease are considered when treating patients who have breast implants and are concerned about foreign body reaction. In our office, we begin this journey with a consideration of symptoms and exclusion of obvious autoimmune problems. In many of our patients, en bloc removal of breast implants with capsulectomy is important and beneficial. Further clinical evidence about breast implant illness is evolving and will continue to guide treatment. I would suggest removal if there is a possibility of foreign body reaction.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

Jed H. Horowitz, MD, FACS · Answer

hellomPinkjade  Usually if there is no problem with the implants you do not need to take them out, but if your doctor feels the need to take them out you should. #post-op #implants

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

In general if there are no issues with the implants or the capsules you do not need to consider removal.  Your situation is unique however.  I recommend discussing the situation with your rheumatologist, or who you see to treat your autoimmune disorders.  If you are uncomfortable with having them in, you can certainly elect to have the implants removed.

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

Initially, I would recommend leaving them alone if there are no major symptoms. However, this decision is best made by you in conjunction with the Doctor managing your current condition.

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

I would look at the breast implant illness groups on other platforms like FB.  I think you will get a better sense of what patients feel like afterwards.  I have have taken out many implants and symptoms by and large improve.

Should I remove 14 yr old saline implants with recent multiple auto immune diagnoses or can I leave them in?

Answers (6)

Answer: Should I remove 14 yr old saline implants with recent multiple auto immune diagnoses or can I leave them in?

Answer: Should I remove 14 yr old saline implants with recent multiple auto immune diagnoses or can I leave them in?

Answer: Breast implant removal

Answer: Breast implant removal

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

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Should I remove 14 yr old saline implants with recent multiple auto immune diagnoses or can I leave them in?

Answers (6)

Answer: Should I remove 14 yr old saline implants with recent multiple auto immune diagnoses or can I leave them in?

Answer: Should I remove 14 yr old saline implants with recent multiple auto immune diagnoses or can I leave them in?

Answer: Breast implant removal

Answer: Breast implant removal

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Implant Removal

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