Do leaking silicone implants cause hives?

If you have ruptured implants then you should consult a Plastic Surgeon. There are many good options for you. I have never seen hives from ruptured silicone implants. I would suggest that you see your Family Physician first and then a Internist like an Allergist or Rheumatologist.

There are several tests available to see if your
implants are leaking. Ultrasound of the breast and/or MRI can document leakage
or loss of integrity of the shell of the prosthesis. Trauma to the chest area
(seat belts, falling on chest . . . ) can disrupt the prostheses.
 Sometimes,
one breast may suddenly become softer than the other side. This can be
secondary to the trauma or spontaneous rupture of the capsule around the
implant, thus, creating the leakage.
 If there is
leakage, the implants should be removed and new ones put in with or without a
mastopexy (breast lift).  
Good luck!
 

I can't say with certainty that a leaking implant can cause hives. However, I can say that it is most likely that your implants are ruptured. No implant is a lifetime device! With the current technology. the highly cohesive gel implants still have a rupture rate of 7% at ten years.So my suggestion is to have a breast exam and to get a mammogram at the very least. You may also have developed a capsule that needs to be addressed. When I see patients with old implants, we discuss all the options including implant replacement or removal, combined with a capsulectomy if needed. Good luck!

First and foremost, silicone implants placed over 30 years ago should be removed. There can be a lot of irritation and immune response to leaking silicone including migration to the lymphatics. After removal, I would suggest waiting to see if hive resolve before considering replacing implants.Hope this helps

Thank you for your question. At this time, there is no evidence that breast implants can result in hives. The question of allergic reactions resulting from gel and saline implants has been addressed many times and has not resulted in any proof that there is a correlation between the two. Having said that,30 year old breast implants could certainly need some attention. I would definitely seek a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your breasts. If your plastic surgeon is still in practice, they likely know what was implanted. If not, search your files so that you know what was used. I would recommend an MRI to see if the implant is broken as an initial step. Our current gel implants use a relatively cohesive form of silicone gel which does not travel throughout the body. Thirty years ago, this was not always the case. Regardless, the though that this is causing hives is unlikely.

Hi & thanks for your question. The hives are most likely from something other than the implants. I suggest seeing your family doctor for the hives and a board certified plastic surgeon to evaluate your breasts. Best wishes!

Thank you for your question!  Breast implants whether they are silicone filled or saline (salt water) filled over time are more likely to rupture.  There have been multiple studies showing there is no correlation with breast implants and different disease, i.e., autoimmune diseases and connective tissue disorders.  In order to be considered a safe implant, the material needs to be inert and not react with the body tissues.  Your hives, even if you had ruptured implants, are most likely related to something else in the environment.  I would recommend you speak to an allergist or your primary medical doctor to investigate any changes in your environment that may be the cause.  There are a number of exams that can suggest breast implant rupture.  Normally, especially if you are over the age of 40, you would get a mammogram.  If you are suspecting a rupture though, an ultrasound would be a better option.  It's not as sensitive of a test as a MRI though, but much less expensive, especially if you don't have insurance or your insurance company doesn't pay for the test.  I hope this helps!

Hello and thank you for your question. Hives are usually a sign of an allergic reaction. The shell of the implants are made of a silicone elastomer and the body does not usually have an allergic reaction to silicone. If there is concern for an implant rupture, then you may need an MRI for further workup. You should make an appointment with a board certified plastic surgeon if you have any concerns.

Thank you for your question. As others have said, mammogram, MRI, or ultrasound are usually used to visualize the breast and implant. An MRI may ultimately be necessary as it is the most diagnostic. There is no known correlation between hives and silicone, and I encourage you to see both a plastic surgeon and your primary care physician, who may refer you to a specialist to determine the cause of your hives. Please seek medical attention if you have any difficulty breathing, swallowing, or swelling in your face. Thank you and best of luck.

I highly recommend that you book an in person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon as your silicone implants might likely have ruptured if they are over 30 years old. Your doctor should schedule you for an MRI in order to confirm whether the implants are leaking. That said, it is not clear whether your leaking implants would cause hives. There are no studies that show a correlation between the two. The hives might very well be due to something else, but best to get checked out to be sure.