Breast implant illness (BII) refers to a collection of systemic symptoms reported by individuals with breast implants. While not yet formally recognized as a medical diagnosis, BII is increasingly acknowledged by healthcare providers and patients. It represents a significant concern for those with implants and is a growing focus for scientific investigation.
What is Breast Implant Illness
Breast implant illness is a term describing a broad spectrum of systemic symptoms experienced by some individuals with breast implants. It is not a formal medical diagnosis with universally accepted criteria, but rather a descriptive label for a cluster of health complaints. Symptoms can emerge months or even years after surgery.
BII can affect individuals with both silicone and saline implants, indicating the specific filling material may not be the sole factor. The symptoms are widely varied, making it challenging to pinpoint a single cause or diagnostic test. Thousands of women have reported symptoms, prompting increased research into this condition.
Recognizing the Symptoms
The symptoms associated with BII are diverse and can vary significantly among individuals, making diagnosis complex. Many reported symptoms are non-specific and can overlap with other medical conditions. Common systemic symptoms include persistent fatigue, often described as extreme, even after sufficient rest. Individuals frequently report cognitive difficulties, such as brain fog, trouble concentrating, and memory issues.
Symptoms can include:
Joint pain, muscle stiffness, and body aches
Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
Skin problems, rashes, dry skin, or hair loss
Symptoms resembling autoimmune disorders, such as dry eyes, dry mouth, and chronic pain
Gastrointestinal problems, headaches, and weight changes
Understanding Potential Causes
Research into the potential causes of breast implant illness is ongoing, with several theories being explored. One hypothesis involves immune responses to the implant materials, whether silicone or saline. The body may perceive the implant as a foreign object, leading to a chronic inflammatory reaction. This sustained inflammation could contribute to the systemic symptoms reported.
Other theories consider the possibility of heavy metal toxicity, as implants may contain trace amounts of platinum or other metals. Another area of investigation focuses on the formation of bacterial biofilms or mold on the implant surface, which could trigger a systemic reaction. Genetic predispositions are also being studied, suggesting that some individuals may be more susceptible to developing BII due to their genetic makeup. No single definitive cause has been established, and it is likely a combination of factors contributes to BII development in susceptible individuals.
Addressing and Managing Breast Implant Illness
The primary approach to addressing and managing breast implant illness is explantation. This surgical procedure involves the removal of breast implants. Many surgeons also recommend removing the fibrous capsule that naturally forms around the implant, a procedure often referred to as “en bloc” or total capsulectomy.
Reported outcomes following explantation show that a significant number of patients experience improvement or complete resolution of their symptoms. For example, a 2022 study found 89% of patients who had their implants removed due to unexplained symptoms reported feeling much better afterward. Before considering explantation, a thorough medical evaluation is important to rule out other conditions that might be causing similar symptoms. Supportive care for individual symptoms, such as managing pain or fatigue, can also be part of a comprehensive management plan.