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Breast implant illness (BII) is a condition that encompasses a wide range of symptoms experienced after getting breast implants. These negative reactions range from cognitive side effects and physiological issues to general fatigue and weakness. While BII isn’t heavily researched and there are no official protocols for diagnosis, both patients and doctors recognize the debilitating reactions that may arise in some women, seemingly after getting breast implant surgery. There is no scientific or clinically-supported information confirming the link between adverse symptoms and breast implants; however, patients and medical professionals do acknowledge these reactions and it’s possible that an association may be confirmed in the future after further study.
Westchester plastic surgeon Neal Goldberg, MD is committed to helping women in NYC and surrounding areas determine the underlying cause(s) of their pain/discomfort and helping them enjoy a higher quality of life with treatment options including breast implant removal and more.
What is Breast Implant Illness?
Breast implant illness is a term used to describe a range of systemic symptoms that some women report after their breast augmentation. The symptoms of BII usually overlap with signs indicating autoimmune diseases, thyroid problems, and menopause, among other conditions, so diagnosing breast implant illness often involves a process of elimination. While BII is not yet thoroughly studied, it is increasingly acknowledged by both patients and healthcare professionals.
Symptoms of Breast Implant Illness
There is currently no official test or screening for breast implant illness, but patients typically experience some or all of the following reactions:
- Chronic fatigue
- Pain in the muscles and/or joints
- Breathing or sleeping issues
- Difficulty concentrating and memory problems
- Headaches
- Depression or anxiety
- Skin irritation and rashes
- Dry eyes or dry mouth
These symptoms often overlap with adverse reactions observed in autoimmune or connective tissue disorders, which is why diagnosing breast implant illness can be difficult. Healthcare professionals usually rule out other potential illnesses and conditions before considering the possibility of BII, so it’s important to fully disclose your medical history and symptoms at the time of evaluation.
Who is at Risk of Developing Breast Implant Illness?
Breast implant illness can affect any person who has breast implants. While there is no medical diagnosis for BII, the above symptoms are often experienced by women who have an autoimmune reaction to their implants. While the condition isn’t very well understood at this point in time, many doctors and plastic surgeons theorize that BII may develop in some patients as an inflammatory response. This risk underscores the importance of entrusting your breast augmentation or breast reconstruction to a plastic surgeon accredited by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). While all surgeries carry some degree of risk, a board-certified plastic surgeon can better determine whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure.
Treatment Options for Breast Implant Illness
In most cases of suspected breast implant illness, removing a patient’s implants can bring immediate relief for uncomfortable symptoms. Depending on your needs, medical history, and the treatment plan discussed between you and Dr. Goldberg, there are several procedures that can be potential solutions for breast implant-related issues.
Breast Implant Removal
When all other medical diagnoses have been ruled out, breast implant removal — especially when performed via en bloc capsulectomy — can significantly improve or completely eliminate symptoms in women suffering from BII. While not a guaranteed cure, it is often considered a therapeutic step for those experiencing unexplained systemic symptoms linked to their implants. Removing breast implants (as well as the surrounding capsule) can alleviate debilitating reactions by:
- Correcting a negative autoimmune response to breast implants in the body
- Addressing a leakage of silicone or saline material caused by ruptured implants, which can trigger an immune reaction
Breast Implant Removal Plus Breast Lift
Combining breast implant removal with mastopexy can also serve as an effective explantation technique. This treatment plan is typically recommended when years of implant use now prevent the breasts from reverting back to their natural shape after being removed. By undergoing a breast lift after implant removal, patients can restore a “perkier,” more youthful breast shape while alleviating any sagging or ptosis.
Revision Reconstruction
Revision breast reconstruction can serve as a treatment for breast implant illness by removing a patient’s original breast implants — often along with the surrounding scar tissue (capsulectomy) — and reconstructing the breasts using alternative techniques that do not involve implants. These methods may include tissue transfer and autologous reconstruction, which eliminate the presence of foreign materials potentially triggering systemic symptoms. This approach allows for symptom relief while maintaining the volume and contour of the breasts post-explantation.
Dr. Neal Goldberg is an extensively trained breast surgeon who has comprehensive experience treating adverse reactions to breast implants. If you’re dealing with uncomfortable or painful symptoms after getting breast implants, it’s important to speak with your primary care provider about your concerns or to book a consultation with our board-certified NYC plastic surgeon.