Migration of Silicone Particles Into the Liver Following Rupture of Silicone Breast Implant: A Case Report and Literature Review

Published Date: 17th January 2026

Publication Authors: Win. M

Abstract

Breast augmentation using a silicone implant is a popular procedure. However, there are rare complications being reported in addition to common risks following breast implant insertion. Our aim is to report one of the rare complications, migration of silicone particles into the liver, following rupture of the silicone breast implant. The patient previously had insertion of bilateral silicone breast implants. She was presented with pain and swelling of the left breast for which she had mammograms, ultrasound scans of the breasts, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breasts. They identified rupture of the silicone implant on the left side and incidentally detected silicone granulomas in the liver on an MRI scan of the breasts. These hepatic lesions were then confirmed by a CT scan of the liver. She underwent the removal of bilateral breast implants. However, she was asymptomatic of hepatic silicone granulomas, and no further treatment was required. Since it is an unusual complication, we conducted a review of the literature describing the mechanisms of silicone migration, diagnosis, and management of this silicone granuloma. Our report is the first report from the UK to our knowledge. We identified four more cases reported from the USA, Colombia, and Italy. In conclusion, the diagnosis of silicone granuloma in the liver is challenging since clinical features are occult, and they mimic metastatic deposits on imaging. Its diagnosis and management necessitate input from a multidisciplinary team. Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion of silicone migration in patients who present with unexplained hepatic lesions and have had a breast implant inserted in the past.

Win, M.; Et al. (2026). Migration of Silicone Particles Into the Liver Following Rupture of Silicone Breast Implant: A Case Report and Literature Review. Cureus. 18(1), p.e101747. [Online]. Available at: doi.org/10.7759/cureus.101747 [Accessed 26 February 2026].