Hi, I have been asking questions all over this site about the saftey of breast implants. Has anyone had problems with the new silicone implants. These were put on the market in Nov. 2006 saying that they are a cohesive type gel that won't run out if ruptured. The Platnium level contained in the implant is in the zero oxidation state. They say toxicology testing has indicated that the the silicone material used in Mentor implants does not cause toxic reactions when large amounts are administered to test animals. Poor animals. I hate animal testing. I need to know if these new implants are any better than the old ones. I don't want to get implants if there is any truth that they cause problems. Too many people are telling me how great they are. I know people w/ implants and none of them seem sick. Then I read about people on this forum and they say their "old style" implants caused all their problems.

Please don't get implants. I am deathly ill from them as are thousands of other women, including those with the "new and improved version". It is not worth it. Please don't

I too have auto-immune issues [serious ones], and Cancer...I received an implant and am in [I believe] a clinical trial for same... For me: I ALREADY had immune issues, more than one. For me: the implant issue was a no brainer as I had severe balance deficits and that few extra ounces of whatever stuff made the difference between listing to dangerous falls or maybe keeping an even keel.
The surgeon and plastic surgeon I was lucky enough to have counsel and treatment from are both researchers and practioners of the highest degree. Both having done extensive research in major area facilities on this very subject. I did not go into this all blindly! Nor for vanity purposes at all-merely pragmatic ones.
BTW? I'm in a TEN year trial, not a quickie...and, I get tested out the wazoo for the cancer, my immune issues and other stuffs that you would not believe...

Believe me, I understand and appreciate all the creatures who sacrifice their lives for my health! Did you know that there are specialized breeds of creatures to help research in auto-immune diseases such as Alzheimers, MS, MD, Immune Deficiencies and Parkinsons? I have to tell you that I once encountered a PETA person who was soo ignorant of key relevant facts about some critters, that when I shared it w/other professionals in that animal field...they all almost choked in laughter? This person was serious, well meaning, but had NO grasp of facts...IN CONTEXT. Me? I am grateful daily that these creatures are giving their lives to help the well being of me and soo many others. They are valuable animals that are well cared for..I know of vets who are on-call to such facilities and they are amazed at the quality of their care.

Soo, I have to ask YOU? Do YOU have immune issues? If so what? There are many here all over the boards who have them, but, we also happen to have 'implants' of varied types, not only 'breast' implants. Knee, Hip, and you name it's...who have effects of our bodies simply not liking them.

IF you have immune issues, there are many on these boards who can help you. Or steer you to resources that can help you. Please don't hesitate to ask questions, I am sure that either I or many others will try and help you - j

Please do not get these implants, it does not matter if they are old, new, or whatever.

I have been in the medical field for over thirty years and have had over four sets of ruptured implants both silicone, saline, old and new ones.

I had mine explanted and will NEVER recommend them for anyone. Reconstruction after cancer would be the only way and the auto immune response they create is not worth it.

You can look at the free booklets that companies give with the implants or before implants and read in between the lines.

Just think of these as IV bags in your chest and IV's grow fungus after so many years and hace expiration dates.

When you think of the foreign body reaction response the body has, it should scare you.

Most people will tell you they are great have not had them for many years but they companies themself give them a shelf life. They will need to be changed out and the scarring, immune problems, and other issues they will cause later, is NOT worth it.

I am speaking from experience. The coating or shell has not changed and the compisition of them are basically chemicals that the body will respond to as a foreing body. They are not inert and are permeable and leak. The leakage goes into your body.

I hope that you use you money for a healthy option. I had a chest defect and was not after the large busted look and researched this immensley before being implanted.

It is not worth putting your health at risk. BJ

any site u can share that deaks with cancer treatment for us w/CFS; FM; PMR; HYPOTHYROID;AND ADRENAL FATIGUE? 6 yrs ago I had a mastectomy w/ TRAMflap reconstruction because i didn't want a foreign matter put inside me. Now i'm facing a 2nd mastectomy & the TRAMflap is not an option> HELP ASAP....i want to get this cut out & rebuit if possible. Hope you're improving in health issues...God bless..........

CIDP after a year of first a neurologist who felt that it was merely PN. When it kept progressing and was prescribed more Neurontin [turning me into a 'human zombie'] I sought second opinions and then a THIRD opinion to 'move things along. It took me a year to get that CIDP diagnosis and IVIG treatments. 9 months later a 'lump' was found in one breast...thus surgery and the implant and trail.
That I was not tested 'off the bat' for a cancer related neuropathy? [Known as Paraneoplastic PN] is not unusual as a cancer, once it settles in... can take 5-7 years to be diagnosed. So, I could have had cancers causing problems, or not. I'd been having IVIG for almost a year before my mast. and subsequent implant - and some small studies have shown that this treatment could have helped contain the tumor..It was stage 1, either a or b..forget which and 'well contained'.
I'd been hypo thyroid for at least 10 years before the CIDP onset? Which had followed a 10+ week antibiotic course for pneumonia. The thyroid 'acted up' six months after the CIDP onset and my feet and lymph system were likely damaged in that issue, as the feet were swollen at least 3+ times the normal size and have had problems since. Thyroid declared 3 years ago as 'Hashimoto's'-autoimmune.

The implants, as I said, were a no-brainer for me. Balance wise, this little aspect is essential, especially in trying to walk normally and such. That 'TILT' factor is just not what we want or need! I now have definite osteo due to the neuro meds and the post cancer meds I've taken... inspite of good nutrition and supplements [BTW? Mrs D is a genius in this aspect!] Ergo...Falling is NOT an option for me anymore!
This group I've found to be user friendly and informative: http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/
I am in a 'trial'? I really don't know HOW I qualified for a 'gummy bear' type of clinical trial, but I do know that I am tested out the wazoo each year - blood work and Pet-Scan wise! Actually the Pet's are the bestest for detecting any other possible hatching issues! All my docs sort of keep touch w/each other now? Why? They are realizing that 'things' mite be related to other 'things'! Hugs and hope always - 's post more and I'll then be able to PM you lots of cancer sites. - j

PS my surgery and implants were done 5-1/2 years ago... hate to count, but ...you know.

While I have a definitive mind on the why's and how's I came to my conclusions? I believe that it is useful for ALL of us to try and sort this all out. YES! I have definitive opinions? But only after extensive researches and a heap of 'homework' in deciding what was best for me.
All I can say is 'so far, good' The tests will be in mid-late spring at the 5-year mark and beyond. Thing is....information from all viewpoints, not one or a few is key to any good decision. IF you ARE keeping mind that any and most 'viewpoints' come from particular biases.. That too leads to even MORE homework that can and usually boggles the mind? I admit to being 'boggled' more than once?
Do not forget that each of us is UNIQUE in what ever we have and how we deal with it? Not to mention how we respond to meds [or not].
Please ask questions! Please post! After 5 posts I can PM you with resources tailored for you?
I hoep this helps you, and I hope you aren't shy.
Please post and I truly hope that I and others can support you in other ways...INFO and hugs? 's - j
PS I'm firm, but I never bite? You get my drift! Good things and soon!

Hi....I have had the new type since 2007, I had breast cancer on my right side and opted to have double mastectomy since I have a large family history of cancer. My right one started changing in 2010, last week my surgeon removed the failed one, it was getting larger, harder and MRI indicated it was leaking. He put another one in. Went for my check up on Monday at his office, informed me that I have Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma which is a Non Hodgkin Lymphoma which is so rare in the breast that its about a 3 out of 10+million odd of having. It is malignant cancer just not Breast Cancer. Please read what the FDA is saying about this they posted a warning that this cancer could be related to gel or saline implants, women with implants no matter if for reconstruction or augumentation are at a higher risk. These things are coming out ASAP. I did have some problems with being sick after the implants were put in, but I was not going to blame everything on them. Please reconsider doing this, also know that 65% of implants that leak are silent, meaing you will not realize it unless you have problems, or have a MRI.

Hi there, I hope its not too late ... after sixteen years of chronic urticaria and fibromyalgia and not wanting to face the truth, I had the old silicone implants removed and the latest and greatest new ones put in ... after a year they ruptured and the doctor asked if I wanted yet another pair inserted ... "NO! NO! NO! I want my health back, remove them NOW". Well, health back does not happen; once immune system is compromised, you have ongoing problems and ill health forever ... WARNING - if you went ahead and had implants, and are now having some problems, think seriously about removing them NOW! "My surgeon also said, with today's new technology, you will not have problems, I promise you!". When the old ones were taken out and new ones inserted this new surgeon sent the old implants away for autopsy ... a year later when I had had enough of being chronically ill, I called for my medical documentation, and discovered what was in the autopsy "black fungal slime surrounding the silicone implants" ... this was obviously being absorbed into my body all that time ... I REST MY CASE ... it's over to You, and good luck

After being extremely healthy and fit all of my prior life, I regrettably had a number of different implants inserted, over time. The reason for making this decision was, because I was constantly conscious of my "flat chest". Well, I would so like to turn the clock back and have my health back ... the surgeons will not let on about the dangers, because this is BIG BUSINESS ... it is their livelihood (very good ones at that). WE MUST WARN OTHERS and we must be strong in our convictions, because being mediocre about this, will change nothing!