I have a metal allergy (severe: cobalt & nickel reaction). Can I still get breast implants?

Question

My metal allergies cause contact dermatitis and also SCD and last for months at a time. What risks are involved with this type of allergy and breast implants? I also have severe allergy to lanolin and propylene glycol just in case there's a possibility I may come into contact with those ingredients.

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

This should theoretically not be a problem as surgeons instruments are made of stainless steel and the implants, antiseptic solutions to clean your skin, antibiotics, and silicone implants, etc should not contain cobalt and nickel.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

can certainly be done and your surgeon should be able to determine from your history as to whether you may have issues or not.  And simple exposures to silicone can easily be tested in the office prior to any procedure.  Discuss your concerns with your chosen surgeon.

George Sanders, MD · Answer

Breast implants do not contain cobalt or nickel. Furthermore, the surgical instruments used in the operation do not contain metals other than stainless steel. In addition, the prep solutions used to clean your chest during the surgery do not contain lanolin or propylene glycol. In summary, your allergies should not prove to be a problem for you should you decide to undergo breast augmentation.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

From the breast implants themselves, I know of no association between any of the allergies you described and these devices. The more pertinent question is whether the instruments used in surgery could aggravate your metal allergies. Most stainless surgical instruments do not contain cobalt but they likely contain chromium, nickel and other alloyable elements. This could be tested before surgery by taping a surgical instrument on your skin over night.

Lily Lee, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. It raises an interesting point about the rising rate of severe allergies. We deal with iodine and latex allergies all the time, but I have not had to address metal allergies. The instruments that we use in surgery are titanium and stainless steel. You may want to ask your doctor for an example of these and do a small patch test on a "hide-able" body part. Lanolin is not usually part of breast augmentation surgery (once in a while, it may be part of the sanitizing chemical, but that can be substituted). Proopylene glycol is used for some sutures, and allergies to that are not uncommon. Most important for you to be completely upfront with a surgeon who you trust will respect your allergies. I also would highly recommend pre/post dosing with an anti-histamine surrounding your surgery. Best of luck to you!

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

Metal allergy should not affect your breast augmentation. I would refer you to Dr. Tehrani who practices in Apple Valley.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Interesting question but one that could be answered by seeing how your skin reacts to silicone implants readily available in most doctor's offices as well as the instruments they use.  See some experts in your areaDr Corbin

Robert A. Hardesty, MD, FACS - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your questions.1) the instrumentsdo you have any allergies to spoons? Most sterling silver is composed of a small amount of nickel.2)Implants Each manufacturer has their own special  process in making the shell. Some implants are processed using platinum, nickel and other metals. I suggest you contact them directly:Allergan.comMentor.comSientra.comIdealbreastimplant.com3) the other topicals are not used during surgery4) Consider your fat injected  into your breasts (if you are a candiate)After completing your research I suggest you make a appt. with a Bd. Cert. Plastic Surgeon who ideally is a member of the Am. Soc. for Aesthetic Surgery (denoting by membership as having met additional criteria and a focus on Cosmetic Plastic Surgery)My best

I have a metal allergy (severe: cobalt & nickel reaction). Can I still get breast implants?

Answers (8)

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