Breast Implant Illness Symptoms

Breast implant illness (BII) is a term used to encompass a range of symptoms that some women with breast implants experience. Although BII is not currently recognised as a formal medical diagnosis and its causes are not fully understood, persistent or unexplained symptoms should be taken seriously and addressed appropriately. This blog will guide you through current knowledge on BII symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and options for relief.

What Are the Symptoms of Breast Implant Illness?

Breast implant illness involves quite a wide range of symptoms spanning across physical, cognitive, and emotional areas of well-being. Experiences can vary from person to person.

Commonly reported symptoms can include:

• Persistent fatigue or low energy
• Brain fog, memory difficulties, and trouble concentrating
• Joint and muscle pain
• Muscle weakness
• Headaches
• Sleep disturbance or insomnia
• Anxiety or depression
• Hair loss
• Skin changes or rashes
• Dry eyes or dry mouth
• Digestive or gastrointestinal symptoms
• Chronic or unexplained pain

Some people also report symptoms associated with inflammatory or autoimmune conditions. Importantly, these symptoms can have many possible causes and do not necessarily mean that breast implants are responsible. Many of these symptoms are common and can occur for a number of reasons, which is why being evaluated by a physician and a plastic surgeon is an important first step.

If you are experiencing symptoms that you believe may be associated with your implants, secondary breast implant surgery may be one option to discuss with an experienced plastic surgeon. This surgery, also called breast revision, can address a range of problems affecting previously implanted breasts, including persistent pain or discomfort and symptoms thought to be associated with BII.

Can Breast Implant Illness Symptoms Develop Years After Surgery?

Yes, they can. Not everyone who reports symptoms of BII does so shortly after their breast augmentation. For some people, symptoms appear months or even years after their original surgery.

This can make it difficult to pinpoint whether the implants are responsible for the symptoms or another cause is to blame. It’s also worth noting that BII symptoms are not always associated with an implant complication, such as an implant rupture. People with wholly intact implants have also reported experiencing BII symptoms.

How Is Breast Implant Illness Diagnosed?

There is currently no specific test or diagnostic that can confirm breast implant illness. Because BII is a collection of commonly reported symptoms and not an established medical diagnosis, assessment generally involves discussing your symptoms and medical history and investigating other potential causes. Depending on your unique experience and symptoms, your doctor may recommend further examinations or tests to rule out other medical conditions.

A plastic surgeon can also assess your breasts and implants to check for other changes or potential causes of pain. Some examples include capsular contracture, implant rupture, malposition, infection, or changes in the surrounding breast tissue. Ms Nugent’s approach to breast revision considers these individual factors when determining the most appropriate treatment.

Can Removing Breast Implants Improve BII Symptoms?

Some people who experience symptoms they associate with BII choose to have their breast implants removed. Many patients report an improvement in their symptoms following implant removal, although this is not the case for everyone, and surgery cannot guarantee that symptoms will resolve.

The most thorough and scientific research into breast implant illness undertaken in the US by Glicksman and Mcguire and their research group recently looked at many aspects of breast implant illness and its treatment. They looked at symptoms and their level of improvement after implant removal (frequently some degree of improvement), impact of removing the implant capsule or not and how it is removed (NO difference in symptom improvement whether the capsule was removed or not or how it was removed), biochemical and haematological biomarkers (no increase in heavy metal levels). Latest evidence is also showing it is less likely that silicone is directly responsible for symptoms of breast implant illness and it is more likely due to other underlying conditions.

What should you consider before deciding to remove your implants?

Ms Nugent’s philosophy is that just as you can choose to place implants in the first instance, you can also change your mind and choose to have them removed. Breast implants are placed to provide specific benefits such as enhancing breast size or shape and body confidence. If they are no longer serving this purpose or you are worried about having them in place, it is very reasonable to consider removing them. The key aspect of this decision is that it is an informed decision. Ahead of removal, you should know the scientific evidence behind symptom improvement after removal, the lack of impact of capsule removal (for BII symptoms not conditions such as capsular contracture) which significantly adds to recovery and risk of a revision breast surgery and the anticipated impact of removal on your breast size and shape (which varies considerably depending on your breasts and the implants that you have in place).

If you are considering implant removal, there are several factors to take into account. Secondary breast implant surgery may involve removing the implants and, sometimes, addressing the surrounding capsule (scar tissue). The right approach depends on your reasons for considering surgery, the condition of your implants and breast tissue, and the result you hope to achieve. Many patients choose to combine their implant removal with a breast lift, for example. Ms Nugent will be happy to discuss all of these details and more during a one-on-one consultation. You deserve to feel comfortable and satisfied with your results.

Learn More About Secondary Breast Implant Surgery in Tunbridge Wells

If you are experiencing symptoms that you believe may be associated with your breast implants, schedule a consultation with an experienced plastic surgeon. Ms Nora Nugent is a consultant plastic surgeon with robust experience in breast enhancement surgery. She can help you understand your options so you can begin your path to relief.

To schedule your private consultation with Ms Nugent in Tunbridge Wells or Harley Street, London, please call 44 (0) 1892 619248 or use our online contact form.