Silicone molecules may break free from the edge of any prosthesis, and breast implants are no exception. The regional lymph nodes, arm pit or axilla, in patients with breast implants often have histologic evidence of silicone migration. It seems unlikely that this has any medical significance, but is the subject of review. Saline and gel implants have an outer wall of silicone, so migration of this material to the local lymph glands is theoretically possible with both types of implant.
If an implant appears ruptured then it should be replaced. This is not an emergency and can be arranged at a convenient time for the patient. There is no evidence it will cause long term health problems. Any free silicone is usually contained by the capsule around the breast implant.
If silicone is suspected in the lymph nodes it is not usually necessary to remove them but it is worth having it checked to exclude some other cause for an enlarged lymph gland. It is likely that most people have molecules of silicone in a lymph node somewhere in their body. Injection needles are lubricated with silicone so after most medical injections or IVs some silicone can stay in the body or blood. This is usually filtered through the lymphatics to the lymph nodes.
If you have concerns about your implants then it is best to discuss this with your doctor.