Breast implant rupture is a common problem. Some patients with breast implant rupture have suggested that their inflammatory load is greater, causing them to have symptoms related to autoimmune disease or chronic inflammation. 



An ELIZA assay was performed on patients with intact breast implants vs breast implants with rupture to determine whether there were detectable changes in the levels of six antibodies against breast-related antigens. The authors concluded that there were no significant differences in antibody levels detected that would contribute to inflammatory and autoimmune responses typical of patients with systemic and constitutional autoimmune disease linked to ruptured implants. This study is interesting, because it adds a data set to our evaluation and management of patients with breast implant rupture who complain about autoimmune disease. That said, there are many women who feel significantly better after explantation and this warrants further study. It is poosible that the antibodies tested were not significantly different, but other inflammatory markers may be present that are. 

Authors Results: "Subgroup analyses of ruptured implants revealed no differences in antibody levels between ruptured saline and silicone implants, submuscular and subglandular implants, or textured and smooth implants. Bulk RNA-sequencing of breast tissue adjacent to ruptured implants (n = 5) and intact implants (n = 5) was performed. This revealed only 1 immune-related DEG (MS4A1), which was a downregulated gene related to B cell activation and differentiation.”

Keywords: Breast silicone, radiology, mammogram, Breast implant rupture, free silicone 

Dr. Raffy Karamanoukian is an expert on breast implant removal and explantation in patients who have previously undergone augmentation mammaplasty and have constitutional complaints associated with implant rupture. Capsulectomy, capsulotomy, and en bloc resection are all possible. Our offices are located in Los Angeles; and Beirut Lebanon for those patients who wish to see us internationally from Europe and the Middle East. 

Raffy Karamanoukian  MD FACS
Los Angeles
www.karesurgery.com 
Plastic Surgery - Removal of Breast Implant Rupture and Free Silicone at Kare Plastic Surgery