Breast Implant Illness | Complete Patient Guide
What Is Breast Implant Illness According to Medical Research
While BII affects thousands of women and is widely acknowledged by patients and some health professionals, the scientific community continues to debate its cause-effect relationship with silicone breast implants. A comprehensive discussion on this topic, weighing the evidence for and against the link, can be found in this study: Breast implant illness: Is it causally related to breast implants?.
Symptoms can develop anywhere from immediately after surgery to several years later, leading medical researchers to recognise it as a genuine health concern despite its current “unofficial” medical status.
Essential Facts About Breast Implant Illness Symptoms
Research and patient experiences have shown that breast implant illness can affect any woman with implants, regardless of type or brand.
Documented cases involve both silicone and saline implants, smooth or textured surfaces, and occur in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery patients.
- BII can affect women with any type of implant (silicone or saline, smooth or textured)
- Symptoms can develop at any time after implant surgery
- The condition is different from breast implant-associated cancer (BIA-ALCL)
- In Australia, some textured breast implants have been withdrawn from use due to safety concerns, and medical professionals are increasingly recognising BII symptoms
Most Common Breast Implant Illness Symptoms List
Medical records and patient surveys have revealed that breast implant illness manifests through a wide spectrum of symptoms affecting multiple body systems.
Most women experience a combination of physical, cognitive, and immune-related issues that often begin subtly and intensify over time.
Physical Manifestations
- Fatigue and chronic weakness
- Joint and muscle pain
- Breast pain and discomfort
- Headaches
- Recurring infections
Cognitive Changes
- Brain fog
- Memory problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleep disturbances
Autoimmune Reactions
- Skin rashes and dermatitis
- Hair loss
- Food sensitivities
- Chemical sensitivities
- Slow wound healing
Mental Health Impact
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Panic attacks
- Mood changes
Understanding Breast Implant Illness Root Causes
Medical research suggests that breast implant illness develops through multiple mechanisms in the body.
The primary trigger appears to be an inflammatory response to the implants that can cascade into systemic health issues affecting multiple organ systems.
Textured implants, in particular, may cause problems due to their rough surface creating a “sandpaper effect” on surrounding tissues, potentially leading to chronic inflammation.
Who Has Higher Risk for Breast Implant Illness
Clinical observations have identified several pre-existing conditions and genetic factors that may increase a woman’s likelihood of developing BII.
Autoimmune predisposition is currently recognised as the most significant risk factor according to research. Pre-existing conditions include:
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Chronic fatigue
- Fibromyalgia
- Migraines
How Do Doctors Diagnose Breast Implant Illness?
There isn’t a single definitive test for BII, but healthcare providers use a comprehensive diagnostic approach.
This includes detailed symptom analysis, medical history review, and systematic elimination of other potential causes to confirm the condition.
As one of the best breast surgery’s in Sydney, we perform a comprehensive health history review:
- Physical examination
- Ruling out other potential causes
- Recognition of symptom patterns
- Supporting tests (blood work, imaging) as needed
Breast Implant Illness Treatment Through Explant Surgery
Complete Explant Surgery Process
Explant surgery has emerged as the most effective treatment for BII. Success rates are highest when the procedure includes complete removal of both the implant and the surrounding capsule tissue, known as total capsulectomy or en bloc removal.
- Total capsulectomy (“en bloc” removal) – removing implant and surrounding tissue capsule intact
- Partial capsulectomy – removing only affected portions of the tissue capsule
- Complete capsule removal – but not necessarily in one piece with the implant
Options After Explant Surgery
Following explant surgery, women have several reconstruction options available to them.
Many choose natural alternatives like fat transfer or opt to embrace their natural appearance, as studies show symptom improvement occurs regardless of the reconstruction choice.
- Natural healing without replacement
- Fat transfer using their own tissue
- Breast lift surgery
- In some cases, smooth-walled implants (though not typically recommended if BII was the reason for removal)
What Should I Expect After My Breast Implant Explant Surgery
Recovery patterns show that most women experience significant symptom improvement within the first six weeks after explant surgery.
Some women report immediate relief from certain symptoms, while others may take several months to resolve completely.
Breast Implant Illness vs Implant Lymphoma
While both conditions are associated with breast implants, BII and Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) are distinctly different medical issues.
BIA-ALCL is a rare but diagnosable form of cancer requiring specific treatment protocols, while BII represents a broader spectrum of systemic symptoms.
Steps to Take if You Suspect Breast Implant Illness
Women experiencing symptoms consistent with BII should begin by documenting all their symptoms in detail.
It’s crucial to seek consultation with healthcare providers who have experience treating BII, as early intervention and proper medical support can significantly impact treatment outcomes.
- Document your symptoms and their timeline
- Consult with healthcare providers experienced in BII
- Consider joining support groups or online communities
- Research your options thoroughly before making decisions about removal or replacement
Contact Warrier Practice Today
Remember that while BII is real for many women, experiences vary greatly. Working with knowledgeable healthcare providers who take your concerns seriously is crucial for proper evaluation and treatment.
Please contact us or your local GP or our clinic if you feel the need for a professional opinion.