Is the Procedure Painful?

Breast implant illness treatment involving implant removal is performed under general anesthesia, so patients do not feel pain during surgery. After the procedure, most patients experience manageable soreness, chest tightness, and fatigue rather than severe pain, which can be controlled with prescribed medication and improves steadily over the first one to two weeks. Many patients report that recovery feels easier than their original augmentation surgery.

How Long Does the Procedure Take?

Surgical time varies depending on the complexity of the case. Implant removal with capsulectomy generally takes between one and three hours. More complex cases may require additional time. We will review the expected duration of your procedure during your consultation.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

Patients will attend several appointments throughout the treatment process, including an initial consultation, a pre-surgical visit, surgery, and multiple post-operative follow-ups. These visits allow your surgeon to monitor healing, address concerns, and guide recovery. Additional appointments may be scheduled if further procedures or refinements are planned.

How Long Until I See Results?

Initial physical changes are immediate after implant removal, but swelling and tissue adjustment will affect appearance in the early stages. Cosmetic results continue to refine over several months. Symptom improvement timelines vary widely. Some patients notice gradual improvement over weeks, while others experience more subtle or delayed changes. Your surgeon will discuss realistic expectations during your consultation.

Will I Have a Visible Scar?

Breast implant illness treatment does require surgical incisions, but every effort is made to keep scarring as discreet as possible. In most cases, incisions are placed along the natural crease beneath the breast (the inframammary fold), where bras, swimwear, or natural shadowing well conceal scars. When prior incision sites can be safely reused, surgeons often do so to avoid creating additional scars. While all surgical scars are permanent, they usually fade significantly over time and become less noticeable with proper care.

Can I Combine a Breast Implant Illness with Other Procedures?

Yes, breast implant illness treatment is frequently combined with other procedures to improve both comfort and cosmetic outcomes. Many patients choose to undergo a breast lift at the same time as implant removal to address sagging or excess skin that may result after explant surgery. Fat grafting is another common option, allowing surgeons to restore some natural volume and improve breast contour using your own tissue.

Breast Implant Illness Risks And Complications

As with any surgical procedure, treatment for breast implant illness carries potential risks and limitations. These may include infection, bleeding, delayed wound healing, scarring, fluid accumulation (seroma), changes in nipple or breast sensation, or asymmetry following implant removal. When capsulectomy is performed, especially en bloc capsulectomy, the procedure may be more technically complex, which can increase operative time and recovery considerations. It is also important to understand that while many patients report improvement in symptoms after implant removal, outcomes vary, and symptom resolution cannot be guaranteed. Breast implant illness is not a formally defined medical diagnosis, and responses to treatment differ from person to person. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss all known risks, uncertainties, and expected outcomes in detail so you can make a fully informed decision that aligns with your health, comfort, and peace of mind.

Breast Implant Illness

Name: Elite Plastic Surgery
Brand: Elite Plastic Surgery
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.7 (482 reviews)

If you suspect you are suffering from Breast Implant Illness (also known as BII), we recommend visiting our office for an evaluation so we can create a treatment plan that swiftly resolves your issue and restores your bust.

in Phoenix & Chandler, AZ

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Introduction

Find Relief from Breast Implant Illness

The surgical experts at Elite Plastic Surgery have extensive experience with breast implant removal, revision, and reconstruction. Our board-certified plastic surgeons can help you chart a course to relief and work with you to develop a treatment plan that will see you restoring your breast augmentation or simply removing the implants if this is what you would prefer. To learn more about how we can help with breast implant illness, contact our Phoenix or Chandler offices to schedule your initial consultation. We’ll be excited to learn more about how we can help resolve your issues.

What is Breast Implant Illness?

Breast implant illness (BII), sometimes also referred to as 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. It can begin with symptoms that involve relatively mild discomfort or cosmetic dissatisfaction, but if left untreated, breast implant illness can become a much more serious concern.

The Causes of Breast Implant Illness

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.

Recent studies also 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 show the link between breast implants and autoimmune disease conclusively.

Breast Implant Illness Symptoms

Breast implant illness can present with a number of different symptoms and affects each individual in a unique way. Some of the symptoms caused by breast implant illness can include the following:

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

How Symptoms Develop

The symptoms of breast implant illness can sometimes occur after implant placement, while in other cases, it may take years to develop. 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. When you visit our Phoenix or Chandler offices to talk about breast implant illness treatment, we’ll do our best to determine the specific cause of your issues and help you find the relief you deserve.

Understanding BIA-ALCL

Scar Tissues

Sometimes, a rare but treatable form of lymphoma develops that usually stays within the scar tissue around the implant. 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.

Implant Removal

Currently, there are no diagnostic tests for BII because it’s not an official medical diagnosis. In many situations, surgery to remove the breast implants improves or eliminates symptoms of BII in the long term. Clinical trials are underway to improve our understanding of this disorder in order to diagnose and treat patients appropriately.

En Bloc Capsulectomy

At Elite Plastic Surgery, we recommend the procedure known as “en bloc capsulectomy.” This procedure involves removing the implant and its surrounding scar tissue capsule in one piece. This can prevent silicone, biofilm (colonies of bacteria that stick together and to 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 reduce inflammation in the body associated with BII. We’ll also provide clear aftercare instructions to help you rest and recover comfortably.

In addition to addressing the pain and discomfort that can come with breast implant illness, breast revision surgery also gives you the opportunity to restore the cosmetic results to which you were initially looking forward. For these reasons, we recommend trusting your surgery to the experienced surgeons at Elite Plastic Surgery.

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Am I a Good Candidate for a Breast Implant Illness Treatment?

You may be a candidate for treatment related to breast implant illness if you are experiencing persistent, unexplained symptoms that developed after breast augmentation or reconstruction and have not improved with conventional medical treatment. Many patients considering evaluation for BII report a combination of systemic symptoms, such as fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, or skin changes, that interfere with daily life and quality of well-being.

Good candidates are generally in good overall health and believe their symptoms may be linked to their implants after other potential causes have been ruled out. It is important to note that not every patient with implants who experiences symptoms will require explant surgery, and not every patient who chooses implant removal does so for the same reasons.

A minimalist shot of a small green plant with delicate leaves growing out of a textured white ceramic pot against a plain, light-colored background.

What to Expect During Your Consultation for Breast Implant Illness

Your consultation for breast implant illness is designed to be thorough, respectful, and patient-centered. We take the time to listen carefully to your concerns, symptoms, and timeline, including when symptoms began and how they have progressed. A detailed review of your implant history, including implant type, placement, surface texture, and surgical date, will also be conducted.

A physical examination will assess breast tissue, implant position, capsular changes, and signs of complications, including capsular contracture or fluid buildup. Your surgeon will explain the current understanding of breast implant illness, discuss available surgical options, and review the risks and benefits of implant removal, including en bloc capsulectomy when appropriate. The goal of the consultation is to provide clarity, answer questions honestly, and help you decide on the next steps with confidence.

What Happens During the Procedure?

When surgical treatment is recommended for breast implant illness, the procedure most commonly involves breast implant removal with capsulectomy. In many cases, Elite Plastic Surgery performs a total en bloc capsulectomy, removing the implant and surrounding capsule together when safe and anatomically feasible.

The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. Incisions are made along the inframammary fold to minimize visible scarring. Once the implant and capsule are removed, the surgical area is carefully irrigated and examined. Depending on your goals and anatomy, additional procedures may be performed to improve breast shape and contour following explant surgery.

Recovery and Results

Your Guide to Post-Breast Implant Illness Treatment Care

Recovery after breast implant illness treatment varies depending on whether implant removal is performed alone or combined with additional procedures. Patients generally experience soreness, tightness, and fatigue during the first several days, which gradually improve with rest and proper aftercare. Many patients are able to return to light activities or desk work within one to two weeks.

Symptom improvement timelines vary. Some patients report gradual improvement over weeks to months, while others notice changes more slowly as inflammation decreases and the body continues to heal. It is important to understand that results are individualized, and no specific timeline for symptom resolution can be guaranteed.

How Much Does a Breast Implant Illness Treatment Cost in Phoenix and Chandler, AZ?

The cost of a breast implant illness treatment in Chandler and Phoenix depends on several factors, including the complexity of the procedure, whether a total capsulectomy is performed, anesthesia fees, surgical time, and whether additional procedures, such as a breast lift or fat grafting, are included. Because treatment for BII is typically considered elective, insurance coverage may vary. Financing options may be available to make care more accessible, and the team will ensure all costs are discussed transparently before proceeding.

Why Choose Elite Plastic Surgery for Breast Implant Illness?

Patients in Phoenix, Chandler, and beyond trust Elite Plastic Surgery for breast implant illness treatment because of the practice’s experience with complex implant-related concerns and its thoughtful, patient-first approach. Board-certified plastic surgeons Rozbeh Torabi and Radbeh Torabi have extensive experience performing implant removal, capsulectomy, revision, and restorative breast procedures.

At Elite Plastic Surgery, BII is approached with clinical responsibility, compassion, and respect for patient experiences. The team emphasizes education, individualized evaluation, and careful surgical planning rather than one-size-fits-all solutions. From your initial consultation through recovery, patients receive clear communication, attentive follow-up, and care designed to support both physical healing and peace of mind.

Breast Implant Illness FAQ’S

Breast implant illness treatment involving implant removal is performed under general anesthesia, so patients do not feel pain during surgery. After the procedure, most patients experience manageable soreness, chest tightness, and fatigue rather than severe pain, which can be controlled with prescribed medication and improves steadily over the first one to two weeks. Many patients report that recovery feels easier than their original augmentation surgery.
Patients will attend several appointments throughout the treatment process, including an initial consultation, a pre-surgical visit, surgery, and multiple post-operative follow-ups. These visits allow your surgeon to monitor healing, address concerns, and guide recovery. Additional appointments may be scheduled if further procedures or refinements are planned.
Initial physical changes are immediate after implant removal, but swelling and tissue adjustment will affect appearance in the early stages. Cosmetic results continue to refine over several months.

Symptom improvement timelines vary widely. Some patients notice gradual improvement over weeks, while others experience more subtle or delayed changes. Your surgeon will discuss realistic expectations during your consultation.
Breast implant illness treatment does require surgical incisions, but every effort is made to keep scarring as discreet as possible. In most cases, incisions are placed along the natural crease beneath the breast (the inframammary fold), where bras, swimwear, or natural shadowing well conceal scars. When prior incision sites can be safely reused, surgeons often do so to avoid creating additional scars.

While all surgical scars are permanent, they usually fade significantly over time and become less noticeable with proper care.
Yes, breast implant illness treatment is frequently combined with other procedures to improve both comfort and cosmetic outcomes. Many patients choose to undergo a breast lift at the same time as implant removal to address sagging or excess skin that may result after explant surgery. Fat grafting is another common option, allowing surgeons to restore some natural volume and improve breast contour using your own tissue.
As with any surgical procedure, treatment for breast implant illness carries potential risks and limitations. These may include infection, bleeding, delayed wound healing, scarring, fluid accumulation (seroma), changes in nipple or breast sensation, or asymmetry following implant removal. When capsulectomy is performed, especially en bloc capsulectomy, the procedure may be more technically complex, which can increase operative time and recovery considerations.

It is also important to understand that while many patients report improvement in symptoms after implant removal, outcomes vary, and symptom resolution cannot be guaranteed. Breast implant illness is not a formally defined medical diagnosis, and responses to treatment differ from person to person. During your consultation, your surgeon will discuss all known risks, uncertainties, and expected outcomes in detail so you can make a fully informed decision that aligns with your health, comfort, and peace of mind.

Discover Elite Results

Schedule Your Breast Implant Illness Consultation Today

Breast implant illness can be a frustrating and concerning situation. The expert surgeons at Elite Plastic Surgery have extensive experience treating this issue and can help you by restoring your bust and your sense of peace of mind in equal measure. We’re also pleased to offer our patients a full suite of advanced wellness treatments to help make your recovery more tolerable and effective.

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.

Chandler | Call us at (480) 535-9867

Phoenix | Call us at (480) 500-6332

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