Topic: Silicone Breast Implant Rupture – An unusual complication associated with silicone breast implants. Migration and nodules associated with Silicone.
Silicone is used frequently in medicine owing to its hydrophobic properties and its ability to resist tissue adherence and reaction. Although silicone is theoretically inert in the body, injectable silicone may contain contaminants that may incite a local tissue reaction. Silicone breast implants are safe to use in the United States and complications of silicone implantation may include implant rupture, hematoma, infection, breast asymmetry, and capsular contracture.
I read an interesting and unusual report regarding silicone migration from the Sheba Medical Center Department of Dermatology in Israel. The authors report a single case, the first of its kind, wherein a patient presented with silicone that migrated from ruptured breast implants and ended up in the legs of a female patient. The authors also report that this is an extremely rare occurrence and the report is valuable as a confirmation of the theoretical risk of silicone migration.
Although silicone breast implants are safely performed in the United States, the report sheds more light on the dangers of injectable silicone and its effects on the body. Siliconomas from ruptured breast implants do occur but pale in comparison to the complications I see in my office from silicone that is injected directly into the tissue, including the lips, face, breasts, and body.
Injectable silicone, unlike medical silicone contained within breast implants, contains contaminants that may induce granuloma formation and a local inflammatory tissue response. These nodules are difficult to treat but can be improved using surgery, anti-inflammatory tissue modulators, and other non-invasive strategies.
If you are concerned about siliconomas or lumps caused by silicone injections, you may benefit from a comprehensive consultation in our office in Los Angeles.