What are my options after breast implant removal if the capsule has been left and silicon is in my lymph nodes?

Question

15th of Jan I had breast implant removal surgery. There were an extracapsular rupture and silicone lymphadenopathy in my right armpit. The surgeon didn't take the results under consideration. He just took the impants out leaving the capsules. 4 weeks after the surgery: painkilers, pain in my armpit, my right breast feels hard on one side. I have silicone in 5 lymph glands. But the other doctor wants to wait 3 months. Can the capsule still be removed? What if I decide to remove all 5 lymph nodes?

Matthew C. Camp, MD · Answer

The capsules can be removed at a later date. Removal of the lymph nodes is not necessary. The silicone is inert, and in the absence of continued silicone leakage, the situation should stabilize. Waiting for a few months to let your body recover is not a bad idea. Rushing back into more surgery may make you worse, not better. Follow up with your surgeon. Matthew C Camp MD

Matt Erdmann, MBChB, FRCS(Eng), FRCS (Plast) · Answer

The decision to carry out a capsulectomy is made by the surgeon as it depends on the appearance when operating. You will need to ask your surgeon this question.
Regarding silicone lymph nodes best advice is that they can be left alone as silicone is inert (does not react in the body). Only if the lymph nodes are large and uncomfortable can they be removed, but be aware that this carries risks eg lymphedema and numbness or nerve injury to the inside of the arm.

What are my options after breast implant removal if the capsule has been left and silicon is in my lymph nodes?

Answers (2)