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What is Breast Implant Illness?

Dr. Michael Howard

Breast implant illness (BII) refers to a range of symptoms that some individuals report after receiving breast implants. While many patients are happy with the results of their breast augmentation, there is a subset of patients who experience symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, and cognitive difficulties following the procedure. (1)

As one of Chicago’s leading plastic surgeons, Dr. Michael Howard believes that patient advocacy and informed consent are fundamental to a safe and satisfying cosmetic journey. Understanding breast implant illness is crucial because it helps foster a conversation about breast augmentation and the possible complications that can arise, even if they are rare. For those who suspect their implants may be causing health issues, seeking guidance becomes vital.

If you exhibit symptoms of breast implant illness or would like to learn more about this phenomenon before undergoing a breast augmentation procedure, we encourage you to meet with Dr. Howard. You can arrange an appointment through our online contact form, or you can do so over the phone. You can reach our offices in Chicago, Lake Forest, or Glenview by calling (224) 271-4250.

About Breast Implant Illness

Implants, either silicone or saline, are often introduced to enhance the shape and size of the breasts through a procedure known as breast augmentation. While many individuals experience success and satisfaction from these surgeries, others report an array of unexplained symptoms post-surgery. (1) Reported symptoms of breast implant illness include chronic fatigue, joint pain, muscle weakness, rashes, and brain fog. Some individuals also experience autoimmune responses, swollen lymph nodes, hair loss, sleep disturbances, and gastrointestinal issues. (2) Although breast implant illness is not recognized as a formal diagnosis, this phenomenon is common enough to be the subject of numerous studies. Researchers have studied the relationship between breast implants and these systemic symptoms, although concrete answers remain elusive. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has acknowledged reports of breast implant illness, advocating for ongoing research and improved data collection to address concerns surrounding implant safety. (2)

While breast implant illness is a risk, choosing an experienced plastic surgeon and a thorough consultation that fully explores a patient’s medical history before breast augmentation may significantly decrease the likelihood of it occurring. If you desire breast augmentation, we encourage you to explore your options, as doing so can shed more light on BII and educate you on how to mitigate any risk.

Benefits of Understanding and Treating BII

Being aware of breast implant illness is critical for anyone considering breast enhancement surgery. There are several benefits to understanding this condition before receiving breast implants, with some of the most notable being:

  • Improved awareness: Knowledge about breast implant illness can help patients identify early symptoms that may arise post-surgery.
  • Health monitoring abilities: By remaining vigilant, patients are better equipped to monitor their health after receiving implants.
  • Informed choices: Patients can make educated decisions about surgical options, including choosing the type of implant that best meets their goals.
  • Proactive approach: Understanding potential complications can facilitate timely interventions if issues develop.
  • Patient advocacy: Empowered individuals often seek second opinions, leading to better health outcomes.
  • Support networks: Awareness encourages individuals suffering from similar symptoms to find solidarity and support among fellow patients.
  • Understanding options for treatment: A diagnostic understanding enables access to various avenues, like implant removal, which can alleviate symptoms for some patients.
  • Mental health benefits: Recognizing and addressing concerns about breast implant illness can positively impact overall mental well-being.

Candidates

Individuals who have received breast implants but experience random or sudden symptoms like chronic fatigue, joint pain, autoimmune responses, cognitive dysfunction, such as memory problems, other unexplained common illnesses, and more may be eligible for a breast implant illness assessment. Patients should be otherwise in good health. We will review your medical history to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms.

Personal Consultation

A personal consultation with Dr. Howard will help to determine whether or not you have breast implant illness, investigate the root causes, and explore your treatment options. At this appointment, Dr. Howard will review your medical history and breast augmentation procedure, looking into the surgeon who performed it, the type and model of implants used, the symptoms you experience, and more. After reviewing this information, Dr. Howard will discuss your treatment options, which can include a breast implant removal or revision procedure.

If you have yet to receive breast implants but wish to learn more about BII, Dr. Howard will explain the illness further while also explaining how it can be avoided. Additionally, he will show you which breast implant options are available and recommend which are best suited to your enhancement goals, eventually creating a customized treatment plan that delivers the breasts you desire.

Schedule your consultation today by submitting our online contact form or by calling (224) 271-4250 to learn more.

Preparation

Depending on the severity of your BII symptoms, Dr. Howard may recommend that you undergo a breast implant removal or breast implant revision (replacement) procedure. He will provide you with preparation instructions to ensure a smooth and effective procedure. Patients may be asked to alter their medication regimen, especially if they regularly take medications or supplements with blood-thinning properties. Nicotine and alcohol use should also be ceased. We require that you arrange for someone to transport you home and assist you during your initial recovery. Finally, please take time away from work or other responsibilities to allocate yourself sufficient recovery time.

Procedure

Patients exhibiting milder breast implant illness symptoms, especially those who have not had their implants for long, may be able to improve their symptoms through medications and lifestyle changes. (2) However, patients with more severe symptoms and those whose breast implants are near the end of their recommended use life will likely require a breast implant removal or revision procedure. (3)

These procedures are performed while the patient is under general anesthesia. Dr. Howard will make discreet incisions into the breasts to gain access to the capsule and implant; these incisions normally follow your previous breast implantation scars. Once he has access, he will gently remove the implant and assess the surrounding tissue for any issues related to inflammation or damage. (3) In some cases, capsule tissue is sent to a pathology lab to be inspected. (3)

If a patient is replacing implants with newer or better models, these will be placed at this time. Otherwise, Dr. Howard will meticulously close the incisions to ensure minimal scarring. The entire procedure usually lasts about one to two hours, though this depends on the complexities involved.

Recovery

Following a breast implant removal or revision, patients typically experience soreness and swelling. Patients are asked to rest and avoid strenuous activities for at least two weeks, and they may be required to wear a compression bra to maintain pressure on the breasts. You may receive prescriptions for pain medications and/or antibiotics to further help your recovery. If so, these should be taken as instructed. You will also be required to attend follow-up appointments with Dr. Howard to monitor your recovery progress and discuss your breast implant illness symptoms.

Results

Results post-removal can provide immediate relief from previously experienced ailments and allow for a healthier path moving forward. Once you have completely healed from the procedure, many individuals report significant improvements in their overall well-being. Symptoms associated with breast implant illness can diminish or disappear altogether, allowing patients to embrace life without complications from their implants.

Cost of Treating Breast Implant Illness in Chicago

The price of treating breast implant illness will vary for each patient, as costs will reflect the symptoms that manifest, their severity, the treatment methods used, and the extent of each treatment. After meeting with Dr. Howard for a consultation, you will receive a comprehensive price quote that details all necessary expenses.

Schedule your consultation to learn more about breast implant illness, how it can be avoided, and what treatment options are available. If you have any further questions, please call our Chicago, Lake Forest, or Glenview locations at (224) 271-4250.

FAQ

What are some signs of breast implant illness?

Signs can range from chronic fatigue and cognitive dysfunction to joint pain and inflammation. Each patient’s experience can differ significantly.

Is breast implant removal necessary to treat breast implant illness?

For some patients showing symptoms correlated with breast implant illness, removal is an effective course of action to restore health.

Can I keep my implants with breast implant illness?

Your decision should be guided by current health assessments and personal comfort levels. In some cases, patients with mild symptoms may choose to monitor their condition rather than undergo removal. However, persistent or worsening symptoms often prompt consideration of explant surgery. Continued monitoring is advisable for all patients with breast implants.

What should I do if I experience complications after receiving implants?

Patients are encouraged to follow up with Dr. Howard to evaluate any complications. Prompt communication is vital to ensuring a smooth recovery.

When can I resume normal activities after a breast procedure?

Recovery times can vary, but most individuals can return to work within one to two weeks post-procedure, depending on their level of activity and job demands.

References

  1. Cohen Tervaert J, Mohazab N, Redmond D, van Eeden C, Osman M. Breast implant illness: scientific evidence of its existence. Expert Review of Clinical Immunology. Published online December 9, 2021. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/1744666x.2022.2010546
  2. Habib PM, Serena T, Derosa A. Breast Implant Illness: A Case Series. Cureus. Published online March 31, 2022. doi:https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.23680
  3. Metzinger SE, Homsy C, Chun MJ, Metzinger RC. Breast Implant Illness: Treatment Using Total Capsulectomy and Implant Removal. Eplasty. 2022;22:e5. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35602522/