Silicone Breast Implant Can Cause ASIA Syndrome

Have you heard of ASIA syndrome? It is an autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome characterized by a set of signs and symptoms such as body joint pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, hair loss, among others, which are also observed in other diseases.

The cause of ASIA Syndrome is mainly related to materials such as silicone breast implants and even vaccines, but can also be related to other medical devices and therapeutic products that are normally considered safe. Genetic factors, and family history of inflammatory and autoimmune disease, are more prone to developing the condition.

When to suspect the silicone breast implant - If symptoms appeared after breast implant placement, evaluation by a rheumatologist should be done to determine if the condition was caused by the breast implant.

The diagnosis of this syndrome consists of the presence of the symptoms we mentioned above, which appeared after the placement of the silicone breast implant or the use of some other related medical device or treatment.

Medications can contribute to symptom control, but the definitive treatment consists of en bloc removal of the silicone implant with its entire intact capsule.

Having a silicone implant already carries a risk, regardless of whether the implant is mammary or in another part of the body. People with a family history of autoimmune diseases (of the immune system) have an increased risk.

Tests – There is not yet a specific test that indicates an increased risk of developing a silicone-related disease. The routine of tests requested by many surgeons for those undergoing silicone augmentation mammoplasty generally consists of breast exams (mammography and ultrasound), blood tests (complete blood count, coagulogram, kidney function), pregnancy test, urine test.

Scientific studies propose collecting specific tests to evaluate inflammatory activity and the presence of autoantibodies, but without proven benefits to date. And we must remember that each patient may have a different disease history, and specific exams and even evaluation by another specialist may be necessary.

*Dr. Fernando Amato é médico cirurgião plástico, membro titular pela Sociedade Brasileira de Cirurgia Plástica, membro da Sociedade Internacional de Cirurgia Plástica Estética (ISAPS) e da Sociedade Americana de Cirurgiões Plásticos (ASPS).