As breast implants have been a continuous enhancement procedure, Breast Implant Illness (BII) has surfaced as a topic of conversation for medical professionals. Despite the recognition of this condition, it remains somewhat of a mystery with an unclear consensus on its causes. Let’s take a look at what we do know about the illness:
BII is a growing illness that doctors and researchers are still working towards understanding. Although there is not a singular consensus on what causes BII and the best way to treat it, symptoms can appear in individuals who have any form of breast implants (e.g., silicone gel-filled, saline-filled, smooth surface, textured surface, round, or teardrop-shape). It has also been established that symptoms can develop at any time after the implant surgery takes place and can occur whether the implants have ruptured or not. Meaning that for some individuals, symptoms of the illness may start immediately, while for others, symptoms may emerge as far as a couple of years post-surgery.
As research has continued to develop over the years, some experts believe that BII symptoms may be linked to autoimmune or inflammatory reactions to breast implants.
Since BII is still somewhat of a medical enigma, BII does not have a current diagnostic test or specific criteria. After gathering information from plastic surgeons, specifically those who specialize in BII, many have said it is common for people to experience multiple symptoms that interfere with functionality.
“Breast Implant Illness symptoms frequently resemble those of other conditions, causing patients to dismiss them as unrelated. Lab tests and doctor visits often yield normal results, which can leave patients feeling frustrated and unsupported, as they struggle to find concrete evidence for their symptoms.” says Dr. Kai Morimoto. “Over time, these symptoms can add up, and surgery often becomes the last resort or their “hail mary” so to speak. This is where we step in. I’ve witnessed numerous women regain their quality of life after implant removal, and I firmly believe that this is a real illness. I’m hopeful that with more research, testing will eventually become available to diagnose it.”
When seeking treatment, it is likely your plastic surgeon may ask to review your medical records and test results to rule out any other diseases or conditions. Studies are still taking place, but since it is difficult to identify patients to have BII, it is challenging to have completely accurate results. Although there are still some hiccups to work through, a promising piece of research has shown that bacterial biofilm (forms on the surface of breast implants) may be a key factor in the development of BII.
BII refers to a collection of symptoms that are reported after receiving implant surgery. Some of the most commonly reported symptoms are:
In recent years, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and other major surgery societies have made a conscious effort to bring about more attention to BII. Starting in 2021, the FDA started a requirement for implant manufacturers to include a risk announcement of potential symptoms.
Because BII isn’t currently an official medical diagnosis, there are no designated tests used to identify if someone has it, treatment guidelines, or specific codes for insurance billing. Since this is the case, many plastic surgeons have resorted to removing implants altogether. For many individuals, after breast implants are removed, illness symptoms have significantly decreased.
After removal, plastic surgeons do not recommend replacing with new ones if you had or still have BII symptoms. Even if your symptoms have completely diminished, there is a risk of developing them again. It is still unknown why exactly symptoms improve after removal, but because this has been proven as a solution, doctors will most likely dismiss re-enhancement procedures.
If you have been considering getting breast implants, it is vital you consult an experienced plastic surgeon to go over the benefits and potential risks, including BII.
On the other hand, if you have been experiencing symptoms that you think might be related to BII, reach out to KM Plastic Surgery, an American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) certified practice that has experience treating individuals with the potential condition. We want to make sure your concerns are addressed seriously and proactively. Contact us to schedule your appointment today.
At the heart of every decision we make for your body, we prioritize your health, well-being, and peace of mind. If you’re concerned about breast implant illness, we’re here to guide you with compassionate care, the latest knowledge, and options to help you feel confident and informed in your choices.
This infographic highlights the common symptoms of breast implant illness (BII) reported by patients at KM Plastic Surgery, along with the change in symptoms experienced before and after enbloc, a procedure that removes breast implants and surrounding tissue capsules.
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