Mold infested workplace and breast implants

Question

Hello. I work in a facility that has major mold issues. It is in the walls, flooring HVAC etc. The building has flooding and broken pipe issues that have been ongoing for several decades. The flooding and mold issues never get properly taken care of. I have saline implants. One of them randomlyruptured about 6 months ago. They were both replaced with saline again. Is it possible that mold will get into my saline implants because of what i am breathing and around all day?

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. No that is not possible for you to inhale mold spores and then it get to your breast tissue. The only way for mold to get into the implant if it was introduced in the through the incision. Sounds like an very unhealthy place to work. Are there work regulations building code in place? Speak to your plastic surgeon about your concerns and they can examine and assess your breast tissue.

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

I would go see a board-certified plastic surgeon (with 6 year integrated plastic surgery training and 1 year The Aesthetic Society accredited fellowship). We have the capability to perform ultrasound in the office to evaluate the integrity of the breast implant. I have not heard of any case of mold inhalation leading to implant problems. Regardless, without an evaluation in person, it is difficult to make any recommendations or provide a plan.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear of the workplace hazards you have.  Though the mold poses other health risks to you, it should not affect your implants.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

First, you need to find another job. You do not need to be breathing all that mold. Second, it is very unlikely that mold will actually enter your implants. Mold must be present in your breast tissue, get through the capsule (very slim chance if not torn), get through the seal of the valve, and then get into the implant through the small tube in the seal. Your lungs and eyes are at much greater risk.

David Janssen, MD, FACS · Answer

In a word, No. The mold may affect your lungs or health, but the mold can not get inside the implant from your body.

Mold infested workplace and breast implants

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Answer: Implants

Answer: Implants

Answer: Mold in the environment

Answer: Mold in the environment

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

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Mold infested workplace and breast implants

Answers (5)

Answer: Implants

Answer: Implants

Answer: Mold in the environment

Answer: Mold in the environment

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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.