Could My Breast Implants Be Releasing Harmful Toxins?

Q:  Dr. Eppley, I am 44 years old and have had silicone implants for just over 10 years. I have noticed recently that under my left breast near the sternum it has gotten sore. I also have had chest, back and arm pain on and off over the past year. My doctor sent me for a mammogram and  I also got an ultrasound at the same time. Both were negative for any problems. Do you think my breast implants are a cause of my problems.? Can a breast implant release harmful chemicals or toxins? I want tio keep my breast implants but if they are dangerous then I want them out.

A: It is impossible to say with an certainty that there is a relationship of the symptoms you are having and your breast implants. What we do know for sure is that breast implants do not release toxins, poisons, or any other harmful chemicals. While you have had a good breast screening work-up, mammograms and ultrasound are not 100% accurate when it comes to detecting an implant rupture. If anything, that is where my suspicion would lie as it relates to your left breast pain. If it persists or increases in severity, I would consider getting an MRI which is the most accurate test we have to detect breast implant rupture.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana