Breast implants and connective tissue disease

[AliChapman]

Hi.  I am 34 years old and have had saline filled breast implants for 12 years now.  For the past few months I have had severe left side chest pain, back pain and left arm tingling.   I now have high blood pressure and tachycardia and am on a beta-blocker for this.  Recent labs show a high Rheumatoid factor and very high IgG.  I am currently under the care of a cardiologist for the chest pain and will be doing further testing soon.  I am also scheduled to see a Rheumatologist in May for my abnormal labs.  I have been doing some research on the internet and have read certain articles on the connection of connective tissue disease and breast implants.  I am wondering if this may be my problem.  What is your insight on this?  Also, I am considering having my implants removed and was wondering if the surgery is safe with my high blood pressure and if so, what is the typical recovery time?  Thank you very much for any comments!

[AliChapman]

What is a capsulectomy?  And why would you recommend implant removal without one?

[Howard Rosenberg, MD]

There is a great deal of controversy regarding the relationship of connective tissue disorders and silicone implants.  The relationship would be even more controversial if you had gel implants.  Removal of the saline implant can be performed with little risk under local anesthesia.  the surgery is best performed after your other medical issues are resolved and you have clearance from your cardiologist.  Recovery from explanatation can be quite easy if the implant are removed without performing a capsulectomy (my recommendation) but you need to be seen and evaluated by a plastic surgeon in the meantime.