Is Silicone compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Silicone?

Silicone

July 21, 2017 (Very Low Risk)

A polymer made out of silicon-oxygen-methyl combination with a high molecular weight, water repellent and low superficial tension.

It is used in many ways (dimethicone, simethicone, -see specific items)orally to treat infant colic and flatulence; as pediculicide, in cosmetic creams and lotions and skin protectants as to prevent ulcers and scars; arthroplasties, retinal detachments and reconstruction or cosmetic surgery as injections and implants.

Silicone is widely distributed in our environment with several cosmetic and medicinal uses. No evidence of toxicity on human tissues has been shown. A 1994 report on immunological side effects in infants breastfed by mothers with silicone implants, was denied categorically by means of meta-analysis and other work.

The absorption by oral or dermal route is negligible. Both a high molecular weight and polymer molecular structure make it practically impossible excretion in the milk and hence a significant amount of intestinal absorption by the infant. Those circumstances make silicone implants safe for lactation even if broken or manufacturing fault (Poly Implant Prothèse, PIP). After extensive analysis of such silicone prosthesis, where lack of health risk was demonstrated, it can be concluded that many of the initial recommendations published lacked scientific validity, including that carriers of such prosthesis should not breastfeed.

Silicon levels in blood and milk of women with implants (55 ng / ml) are similar to those of women without implants (51 ng / ml), 13 times lower than that found in cow's milk (709 ng / ml) and 80 times lower than in commercial infant formulas (4403 ng / ml).

American Academy of Pediatrics: Product usually compatible with breastfeeding.

To view other possible effects on breastfeeding of breast implant unrelated to silicone, see the term 'Augmentation Mammoplasty'.


See below the information of these related products:

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Silicone since it is relatively safe.

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Synonyms

  • Silicone Implants
  • Silicone Prosthesis
  • Silicone Topical Use

References

  1. Wazir U, Kasem A, Mokbel K. The clinical implications of poly implant prothèse breast implants: an overview. Arch Plast Surg. 2015Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  2. Schiff M, Algert CS, Ampt A, Sywak MS, Roberts CL. The impact of cosmetic breast implants on breastfeeding: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int Breastfeed J. 2014Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  3. Moschetta M, Telegrafo M, Cornacchia I, Vincenti L, Ranieri V, Cirili A, Rella L, Stabile Ianora AA, Angelelli G. PIP breast implants: rupture rate and correlation with breast cancer. G Chir. 2014Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  4. Scientific Committee on Emerging and Newly Identified Health Risks (SCENIHR). Preliminary Opinion on the safety of Poly Implant Prothèse (PIP) Silicone Breast Implants (2013 update). 2013 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  5. Yang EJ, Lee KT, Pyon JK, Bang SI. Treatment algorithm of galactorrhea after augmentation mammoplasty. Ann Plast Surg. 2012Abstract
  6. MHRA. Silicon in Breast Milk. 2012 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  7. Ayestaray B, Dudrap E, Chaibi A. Galactorrhea after aesthetic breast augmentation with silicone implants: report of two cases and management of postoperative galactorrhea. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2011Abstract
  8. Agence française de sécurité sanitaire des produits de santé. (Afssaps). Questions/réponses.\ Implants mammaires à base de gel de silicone de la société Poly Implant Prothèse. 2011 Full text (in our servers)
  9. Agence française de sécurité sanitaire des produits de santé. (Afssaps). Informations/recommandations de sécurité concernant les implants mammaires pré remplis de gel de silicone fabriqués par la société POLY IMPLANT PROTHESE. Lettre aux professionnels de santé. Matériovigilance 2010 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  10. MHRA. Summary report on tests performed on extracts of silicone gel filler material from PIP silicone breast implants. 2010 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  11. Zoccali G, Lomartire N, Mascaretti G, Giuliani M. Silicone gel mammary prostheses: immune pathologies and breastfeeding. Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol. 2008Abstract
  12. Kjøller K, Friis S, Lipworth L, McLaughlin JK, Olsen JH. Adverse health outcomes in offspring of mothers with cosmetic breast implants: a review. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2007Abstract
  13. Semple JL. Breast-feeding and silicone implants. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2007Abstract
  14. Lee JH, Zuckerman D. Silicon, silicone, and breast implants. Pediatrics. 2002Abstract
  15. Signorello LB, Fryzek JP, Blot WJ, McLaughlin JK, Nyrén O. Offspring health risk after cosmetic breast implantation in Sweden. Ann Plast Surg. 2001Abstract
  16. AAP - American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Drugs. Transfer of drugs and other chemicals into human milk. Pediatrics. 2001Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  17. Janowsky EC, Kupper LL, Hulka BS. Meta-analyses of the relation between silicone breast implants and the risk of connective-tissue diseases. N Engl J Med. 2000Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  18. Lugowski SJ, Smith DC, Bonek H, Lugowski J, Peters W, Semple J. Analysis of silicon in human tissues with special reference to silicone breast implants. J Trace Elem Med Biol. 2000Abstract
  19. Peters W, Smith D, Lugowski S. Silicon assays in women with and without silicone gel breast implants--a review. Ann Plast Surg. 1999Abstract
  20. Koren G, Ito S. Do silicone breast implants affect breastfeeding? Can Fam Physician. 1998Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  21. Semple JL, Lugowski SJ, Baines CJ, Smith DC, McHugh A. Breast milk contamination and silicone implants: preliminary results using silicon as a proxy measurement for silicone. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1998Abstract
  22. Jordan ME, Blum RW. Should breast-feeding by women with silicone implants be recommended? Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 1996Abstract
  23. Levine JJ, Ilowite NT. Sclerodermalike esophageal disease in children breast-fed by mothers with silicone breast implants. JAMA. 1994Abstract
  24. Grant S, Edelman DA. Pregnancy, lactation and the use of silicone breast implants. Adv Contracept. 1994Abstract
  25. Berlin CM Jr. Silicone breast implants and breast-feeding. Pediatrics. 1994Abstract