Breast Implant Illness (BII) refers to a collection of systemic symptoms reported by some individuals with breast implants. While not yet an official medical diagnosis with universally accepted criteria, it is a recognized and complex condition where symptoms often improve after implant removal.
Recognizing Potential Symptoms
Individuals experiencing Breast Implant Illness often report a wide range of systemic symptoms. These can include persistent fatigue, brain fog, and widespread joint and muscle pain. Other commonly reported issues involve skin problems such as rashes, hair loss, and mental health challenges like anxiety and depression. These symptoms are varied and can emerge at any point after breast implant surgery, from immediately following the procedure to many years later.
Beginning the Diagnostic Journey
When an individual suspects they may have Breast Implant Illness, a crucial first step involves consulting a healthcare professional. The initial consultation will typically include a thorough review of the patient’s medical history, encompassing details about the type of breast implants, their duration, and any prior surgical history. A comprehensive physical examination will also be performed. The healthcare provider will attentively listen to concerns, gather relevant information, consider BII, and work to exclude other potential medical conditions that could present with similar symptoms.
Investigating with Medical Tests
Currently, no single, definitive diagnostic test exists specifically for Breast Implant Illness. Instead, diagnosis typically involves a process of exclusion, where other conditions are ruled out, combined with a collection of clinical findings. Healthcare providers may order various blood tests. These often include a complete blood count (CBC), inflammatory markers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and autoimmune markers like antinuclear antibody (ANA). Thyroid function tests and, in some cases, heavy metal screening may also be considered if the patient’s history suggests their relevance. While these tests can indicate general inflammation or autoimmune activity, they are not specific to BII and primarily serve to rule out other underlying causes for the symptoms.
Imaging studies play a role in evaluating the condition of the breast implants. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is considered the most reliable modality for assessing implant integrity, particularly for detecting silent ruptures or leaks in silicone implants. Ultrasound and mammograms can also be used to evaluate implants and surrounding breast tissues, primarily to check for issues like rupture or capsular contracture and to rule out other breast pathologies. These imaging techniques are crucial for understanding the physical state of the implants but do not directly diagnose BII; rather, they help identify potential implant-related complications that might contribute to symptoms.
Beyond these common tests, other investigations might be pursued based on specific symptoms. For example, allergy testing may be conducted if allergic reactions are suspected. Consultations with specialists, such as a rheumatologist for musculoskeletal or immune system concerns, or a neurologist for cognitive and behavioral symptoms, can provide further insights and help exclude other conditions.
Interpreting Findings and Considering Options
Once all test results are available, the healthcare provider synthesizes the patient’s reported symptoms, detailed medical history, physical examination findings, and laboratory results. This comprehensive evaluation is essential because Breast Implant Illness is often a diagnosis of exclusion.
For many individuals experiencing BII symptoms, explantation—the surgical removal of the breast implants and often the surrounding fibrous capsule—is considered both a diagnostic and therapeutic intervention. Many patients report significant improvement or complete resolution of symptoms following explantation, which supports the clinical suspicion of BII and indicates a strong link between implants and systemic symptoms.