‘RHOC’ Alum Alexis Bellino Warns Others After Fourth Breast Implant Surgery: “Silicone Was Leaking”

Alexis Bellino first got breast implants at 19, going against her mother’s wishes. Over the years, she had three more surgeries, with her last set in 2008. Three years ago, Alexis developed capsular contracture, a condition where scar tissue tightens around the implant and makes it hard and painful. She had surgery to fix it in 2022, but the problem came back. “Most of the time, when you have it, it does keep recurring,” she explained.

Earlier this year, Alexis noticed her left breast was swelling, hard, and even looked different in photos. She also felt numbness and tingling in her arms. “I just knew I had to do something about it,” she said. When doctors operated, they found her implant had ruptured. “That silicone was actually leaking into my left breast. I mean, it was not a good thing,” Alexis stressed. Doctors removed the ruptured implant and the leaked silicone, then gave her smaller implants with extra support. “I want everyone to think twice before cosmetic surgery at this point,” she now warns. Alexis also told her daughters she does not want them getting implants, saying, “If I was 19 again, I would tell myself not to do it”.

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Are Breast Implants Safe?

“Breast implants are common and usually look and feel natural”, says Dr Parag Telang, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon and Director, Designer Bodyz Centre, Mumbai. Most women have mild pain or numbness for a few days after surgery. Implants generally don’t affect breastfeeding or cause breast cancer.

However, some risks exist, especially with silicone implants. These can include implant rupture, silicone leakage, and in rare cases, health issues like thyroid problems or fibromyalgia. Silicone leaks can be hard to detect and may need MRI scans. Breast implants don’t last forever, and many women need surgery later to fix problems. Regular check-ups and talking to your doctor about any changes are important. Overall, implants are safe but come with some risks to consider before surgery. 

How Common Are Breast Implant Complications?

Alexis’s story is not unique. Research shows that breast implants can fail or cause health problems over time. According to a study published in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, up to 20% of women with silicone breast implants need to have them removed or replaced within 8 to 10 years. It happens due to complications like rupture, capsular contracture, or pain. Silicone leakage can cause swelling, pain, and changes in breast shape. In rare cases, leaked silicone can travel to other parts of the body and cause more serious health issues. The study recommends regular check-ups and MRI scans to catch silent ruptures early.