BREAST IMPLANT ILLNESS

Breast Implant Illness (BII)

Breast implant illness (BII) or breast implant sickness is a term used to refer to a wide range of symptoms that can develop after breast reconstruction or breast augmentation with breast implants. Breast implant illness or breast implant sickness can develop with any type of breast implant, such as saline or silicone gel-filled, smooth or textured surface, and round or teardrop-shaped.

Researchers don’t know why some women with breast implants develop BII. According to experts, a leading theory is that some individuals are predisposed to having an immune reaction to the materials used to construct breast implants, creating inflammation that leads to symptoms such as joint and muscle pain, rashes, and gastrointestinal problems. 

Further, recent studies suggest that silicone breast implants potentially raise your risk of developing autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, scleroderma, and sarcoidosis. However, experts think the evidence isn’t strong enough to conclusively show the link between breast implants and autoimmune disease.  

BREAST IMPLANT ILLNESS (BII) SYMPTOMS

BII affects each individual in a unique way and some symptoms can include the following:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Headaches
• Chronic fatigue
• Joint and muscle pain
• Memory and concentration problems
• Breathing problems
• Rash and skin problems
• Hair loss
• Gastrointestinal problems

These symptoms can occur after implant placement, while others develop them years later. Many symptoms can be associated with connective tissue and autoimmune disorders such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Scleroderma, and Lupus. We have evaluated some individuals with BII who also get diagnosed with a specific autoimmune or connective tissue disorder but not always. Sometimes, a rare but treatable form of lymphoma that usually stays within the scar tissue around the implant develops. This rare form of cancer is called Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)

At Elite Plastic Surgery, we have treated patients with BII because their symptoms interfere with their ability to function.

Currently, there are no diagnostic tests to diagnose BII because it’s still not an official medical diagnosis.

In many situations, surgery to remove the breast implants improves or eliminates symptoms of BII for the long term. Clinical trials are underway to improve our understanding of this disorder in order to diagnose and treat patients appropriately.

At Elite Plastic Surgery, we recommend a procedure called “en bloc capsulectomy,” a surgical procedure that involves the implant and scar tissue capsule in one piece. This can prevent silicone, biofilm (colonies of bacteria that stick to each other and the implant), or other substances within the capsule from escaping into the body. Our doctors recommend maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle and managing stress after your implant removal surgery for BII. These steps can promote healing and decrease the inflammation in the body that can be associated with BII.  

At Elite Plastic Surgery, we recommend a procedure called “en bloc capsulectomy,” a procedure that involves removing the implant and scar tissue capsule in one piece. This can prevent silicone, biofilm (colonies of bacteria that stick to each other and the implant) or other substances that are within the capsule from escaping into the body. Our doctors recommend maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle and managing stress after your implant removal surgery for BII. These steps can promote healing and decrease the inflammation in the body that can be associated with BII.   

At Elite Plastic Surgery our team will discuss the risks and benefits of the various surgical treatment approaches. If you want to learn more about breast implant illness or talk with our board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Rozbeh Torabi and Dr. Radbeh Torabi about any BII symptoms you may be experiencing, simply schedule a consultation at Elite Plastic Surgery today.