Implant~Info~Net

Q:What is the chemical composition of a saline- filled breast implant shell?

A:According to the Office of Device Evaluation (ODE), the office responsible for conducting scientific reviews of medical devices and radiation emitting products, the following is what is in a saline-filled breast implant shell:

1. 80% high molecular weight silicones

2. 20% finely powdered silica

3. catalyst: small amounts (50-100 parts per million) of a tin or platinum

4. impurities: -small amounts of (1-500 parts per million) of various smaller silicones -trace amounts of (<5 parts per million) of volatile (readily evaporating) materials like xylene and other organic compounds (impurities) -trace amounts (<5 parts per million) of metals (impurities)


Q: How do saline implants cause systemic symptoms?

A: The shell surrounding a saline implant is a silicone polymer that can break down due to a lipolysis reaction or disruption. The silicone from the shell migrates into the capsule surrounding the implants. Cells in the immune system called macrophages pick up the silicone, break it down into Silica, and then distribute this chemical throughout the body.A chronic illness may develop that can affect every organ system in the body. Some patients with saline breast
implants have autoimmune, immune, and neurological disorders similar to patients with silicone breast implants.

Chemical sensitivity also occurs in patients with saline breast
implants.

Due to immune dysfunction, a patient with saline breast implants may also have systemic fungal and atypical bacterial infections.

Q: Why did several doctors tell me that my implants were safe and weren't responsible for my symptoms before I was properly diagnosed with a silicone-related disease?

A:Many physicians are unaware that silicone or saline implants can cause systemic symptoms in patients.Silicone-related disease is a controversial topic in medicine.Medical textbooks,medical dictionaries, etc. do not contain any information about illnesses caused by implants. Also,many physicians think that implants would not be F.D.A. approved if they were not safe.

Several years ago, you probably wouldn't have found a physician who could diagnose or provide treatment for illnesses associated with silicone implants.Fortunately, some doctors now understand the systemic symptoms associated with implants.

Q: How many patients with implants have a silicone-related disease?

The manufacturers of silicone implants state that the percentage of autoimmune and neurological disorders in implant recipients is the same as the percentage in the general population.

Research regarding silicone implants is ongoing, but it is now
estimated by reputable sources that 25-30% of all implant recipients will develop an autoimmune condition.This statistic is much higher than the percentage disclosed by the manufacturers.

Q: What is a "gel bleed"?

A "gel bleed" occurs when the silicone gel in breast implants slowly leaks through the semi-permeable membrane envelope. The gel then migrates to the capsular area around the implants. Cells in the immune system called macrophages pick up the gel, break it down into Silica and Silicon, and then distribute these chemicals throughout the body. The result is immune dysfunction. The silicone gel also causes oxidants to form that can damage DNA, enzyme systems, and cell walls.
A chronic illness may develop that can affect every organ of the body.


For more information please read Silicone Arthritis and Related
Diseases by Stephen B. Edelson,M.D. et al.

Q: Which types of silicone implants are associated with illnesses?

A:All silicone implants can cause illnesses.This includes
cerebrospinal fluid shunt tubing, slow release hormone implants, cardiac valves, intraocular lens implants, testicular prostheses, penile implants, digital joint arthroplasty prostheses, breast implants, pectoral implants, buttock implants, calf implants, malar implants,jaw implants, and chin implants. Saline implants also can cause systemic symptoms because they have a silicone elastomer shell.

Q: How do implants affect a patient's career, personal life, and mental abilities?

A:Silicone-related diseases can affect every aspect of a patient's life. Some patients may be unable to work because of the debilitating symptoms that they have.Interpersonal relationships may be affected too. Many patients also have cognitive dysfunction and some develop psychological problems; both of these symptoms may occur in patients
with silicone induced immune dysfunction syndrome.


Some patients with silicone-related diseases only develop a few symptoms and have a normal life, but others are completely disabled.


Q:I have been diagnosed with a silicone-related disease.When will I begin to feel better after my implants are removed?

A:Most patients notice an improvement in their health immediately following surgery.Others improve but do not completely recover. A few remain disabled after explantation.Improvement depends on the age of the patient, health before implantation, and the duration of the illness. Significant laboratory and clinical improvement should occur
within the first two years after explantation.

Q: Where can I report an illness or complication that is caused by my implants?

A: Medwatch is the Food and Drug Administration's program for reporting serious reactions and problems with medical products, such as drugs and medical devices.

Q:Where can I find current information on breast implants?

A:The Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) Breast Implant Listserv provides current information on breast implants. The CDRH distributes a monthly newsletter via email to their subscribers.

Q:What are the complications associated with chin implants?

A:Complications associated with chin implants include the following: bone erosion,nerve damage, hematoma, seroma, infection, implant displacement,asymmetry, mobility, bleeding,swelling,bruising, and silicone-related diseases.


Q:What are the complications associated with cheek implants?

A:Complications include resorption of the bone under the implant,nerve damage,blood clot formation, bruising, swelling,bleeding, infection, and silicone-related diseases.

Q: What are the symptoms of Human Adjuvant Disease or complications arising after Breast Implant surgery that I should look for?

A:According to Andrew W. Campbell, M.D. , Medical Director of the Center for Immune, Environmental, and Toxic Disorders,these are the most common symptoms experienced by patients with silicone prosthetic devices:

breast pain or tenderness

fatigue, usually made worse by exercise

cognitive function problems, such as attention deficit disorder,

calculation difficulties, memory disturbance, spatial disorientation,

frequently saying the wrong word

psychological problems such as depression, anxiety, personality changes, mood swings

sleep disturbance and non-restorative sleep

headaches of a greater intensity than before implantation

changes in vision

seizures

loss of balance

numbness and tingling

lightheadedness

paralysis

joint and muscle aches and pains

shortness of breath

lymph node enlargement

weight gain

low grade fevers

abnormal heart rhythm

hair loss

dry eyes and mouth

frequent canker sores in the mouth

low back pain

skin changes and/or rashes

severe muscular weakness

intolerance of bright lights

intolerance of alcohol

decreased libido

ringing in ears

muscle tremors

recurrent flu-like illnesses

severe allergies

irritable bowel syndrome

night sweats

uncomfortable urination

chest pain

cough

Raynaud's phenomenon

enlarged thyroid.

Q: What illnesses are associated with silicone implants?

A:Clinical syndromes resembling the following disorders are associated with silicone implants:systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, Sjogren's disease, polymyositis, mixed connective tissue disease, multiple sclerosis ,and other neurological disorders.


Chemical sensitivity is also associated with implants.


Some patients with immune dysfunction caused by silicone implants have fungal infections(ie systemic candidiasis) and atypical bacterial infections.


Q: What should I know about implants before I have surgery?

A:First,you should consider the reason(s) why you want to have implants. You should have plastic surgery because you want to enhance your appearance or because you need to have it for reconstructive purposes.Do not have plastic surgery because someone else (ie your spouse) wants you to do it. Also, there is a condition called "body dysmorphic disorder" that affects some patients who have plastic
surgery. Patients with body dysmorphic disorder or B.D.D. have an altered perception of their appearance (ie.they may have an obsession with a minor physical imperfection which may be imagined)that can affect their ability to have a normal life.You shouldn't have surgery if you think that you may have B.D.D.


Next, you need to find a plastic surgeon who has experience with the procedure that you want. Ask your physician how many of his/her patients have had the same procedure. Ask to see photos of other patients who have had the same procedure performed by that doctor. Ask to speak to other patients who were satisfied with the outcome of their surgeries.

Finally,you need to understand the complications that may occur with the procedure that you are having. Ask your plastic surgeon to discuss complications and silicone-related diseases with you before you have surgery.

Q: I have a silicone-related disease and I feel like my family and friends do not understand what I am going through.I feel "alone".

A: Joining a support network can help you to cope with the medical and personal problems that you are experiencing. Support groups are located on the internet. There are also chat forums on the internet now where patients can interact with each for advice and compassion.

You're not alone.

You need to explain to your family and friends what is happening to you. Maybe they do not understand how serious your condition is. Provide information to them about your disease. Show them websites and articles that you have regarding silicone-related diseases.


These illnesses not only have an impact on the patient's life, but also can affect others who are close to them. Perhaps you should encourage your family and friends to join a support network with you.


Q: If I have a silicone-related disease and I decide to have children, will they be affected too?

A:It is possible that if you have children, they might be ill from the toxic effects of silicone. The number of children who are affected by "second generation silicone-related diseases" is unknown at this time.Smalley et al investigated T cell proliferative responses to silicone dioxide (silica) in 24 childen born to silicone gel breast implant recipients. The authors found that T cells were significantly stimulated by silicone dioxide. A second part of their study consisted of the investigation of 11 children, four born before implantation, and seven born after implantation. None of the pre-implant offspring showed T cell responses to silica while five of the seven post-implant children were positive in this test.

Q. What about Suicide and Breast Implants?

According to at least four studies in recent years, women with breast implants are more likely to commit suicide than women in the general population.

According to a study published by Lykissa and Maharaj:

Pt in urine, brain tissue, and breast milk samples from women exposed to silicone breast implants occurred mainly in the +2 and +4 oxidation states.

The authors list known problems associated with platinum salt exposure:

Pt salt exposure has been associated with positive skin-patch tests, contact dermatitis, asthma, immunogenicity, inhibitory effects on brain enzymes, neurotoxicity, mutagenicity, carcinogenicity, and anaphylactic reactions.

Their research indicates the possible fate of Pt as follows:

migration from silicone implants via the lymphatic and blood systems deposition and accumulation in hair and nails urine, sebaceous secretions, and breast milk

Whilst the Food and Drug Administration does not recognize certain systemic complications occuring with silicone gel-filled breast implants, the agency states:

Silicone gel that escapes the scar capsule surrounding the implant may migrate away from the breast. The free silicone gel may cause lumps called granulomas to form in the breast or in other tissues where the silicone gel has migrated, such as the breast tissue, chest wall, armpit, or arm. Silicone gel may also migrate to distant organs such as the liver. Migrated silicone gel may be difficult or impossible to remove.

Some researchers believe that implant recipients who commit suicide suffer from preimplant psychiatric illnesses. They also believe that women with implants are more likely to die from drug or alcohol-related causes than other women; however, these researchers failed to explore the possibility that these women self-medicate because of implant-related complications.

See Related: Excess Mortality From Suicide and Other External Causes of Death Among Women With Cosmetic Breast Implants

In, 2004 survey of 5,000 women in the U.S. who had either received breast implants or were considering them found that the women were less likely to drink alcohol and smoke than the general population. They had a lower frequency of signs of depression than did the earlier generation of American implant recipients and the women in European studies.

See Related: Breast Implant, Suicide Link Explored

Other researchers have attributed the increase in suicides to low self-esteem supposedly present before breast augmentation; however,  a 2007 study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons has found that people who want plastic surgery have a normal level of body satisfaction and do not, in fact, suffer from low or poor self-esteem.

In conclusion, it is possible that some implant recipients commit suicide because they are unable to cope with complications arising after breast augmentation. If any implant recipients had pre-implant psychiatric illnesses, then perhaps they were not able to make an informed decision to have surgery.