Breast implants have long been a popular choice for cosmetic enhancement and breast reconstruction, offering women the opportunity to feel more confident in their appearance. However, in recent years, concerns surrounding breast implant illness (BII) have gained traction, leaving many women wondering: Are my implants making me sick?
Breast Implant Illness is a controversial and poorly understood condition, but the reality is that some women experience unexplained symptoms after getting implants. If you’ve ever considered breast augmentation or already have implants and feel unwell, this blog will break down everything you need to know about BII, breast implant-associated lymphoma, and the best options moving forward.
What is Breast Implant Illness (BII)?
Breast Implant Illness is not a medically recognized disease, but it describes a collection of symptoms that some women experience after getting implants. These symptoms often mimic autoimmune disorders or chronic inflammatory conditions, making BII difficult to diagnose.
Common Symptoms of BII:
✔️ Fatigue and chronic exhaustion
✔️ Brain fog and memory issues
✔️ Muscle and joint pain
✔️ Dry eyes, dry mouth, and hair loss
✔️ Anxiety, depression, and mood changes
✔️ Digestive issues and food sensitivities
✔️ Skin rashes and inflammation
✔️ Temperature intolerance
✔️ Unexplained weight fluctuations
Many of these symptoms are vague and overlap with other medical conditions, which is why doctors and researchers have struggled to confirm a direct link between implants and illness. However, thousands of women have reported improvements in their health after removing their implants, leading to increased awareness and research into BII.
What Causes Breast Implant Illness?
While the exact cause of BII remains uncertain, there are a few leading theories:
🔹 Chronic Inflammation: Some experts believe that implants trigger a long-term inflammatory response, leading to immune system dysfunction.
🔹 Silicone Leakage & Systemic Reactions: Even if an implant does not rupture, microscopic amounts of silicone can leach into the body, potentially triggering an immune response in sensitive individuals.
🔹 Bacterial Contamination & Biofilm Formation: Some scientists suspect that low-grade bacterial contamination at the time of implant placement could lead to chronic immune activation.
🔹 Autoimmune Activation: Implants may act as a foreign body, causing the immune system to attack healthy tissues, similar to autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
The difficulty in diagnosing BII lies in the fact that not every woman with implants develops symptoms, and there is no specific test to confirm the condition.
Breast Implant-Associated Cancer: What You Need to Know
Beyond BII, there is another rare but serious risk associated with breast implants—Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).
What is BIA-ALCL?
- BIA-ALCL is not breast cancer but a rare form of lymphoma (cancer of the immune system) that develops in the scar tissue around textured implants.
- The risk is highest with textured silicone implants, while smooth implants have not been linked to this cancer.
- The estimated risk is 1 in 4,000 to 1 in 30,000 women with textured implants.
- Symptoms include breast swelling, lumps, pain, and fluid buildup around the implant.
If detected early, BIA-ALCL is highly treatable by removing the implants and surrounding scar tissue.
🔎 How to Detect BIA-ALCL:
✔️ Routine MRI or ultrasound screenings
✔️ Checking for new swelling or lumps around the implant
✔️ Seeing a plastic surgeon annually for implant check-ups
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Since 2019, the FDA has banned certain textured implants due to the risk of BIA-ALCL, and many plastic surgeons no longer use textured implants.
What to Do If You Suspect BII or BIA-ALCL
If you have implants and are experiencing unexplained health issues, the first step is to see a board-certified plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns.
Diagnostic Steps for BII & BIA-ALCL:
✔️ Bloodwork & Autoimmune Screening: To rule out other medical conditions
✔️ MRI or Ultrasound: To check for implant rupture or fluid buildup
✔️ Consultation with a Rheumatologist: If autoimmune symptoms are present
If no other medical cause is found, explant surgery (implant removal) may be considered as a possible solution.
What is Explant Surgery?
Explant surgery is the removal of breast implants, sometimes combined with capsulectomy, where the surrounding scar tissue is also removed.
Types of Explant Surgery:
🔹 Total Capsulectomy: Removal of the implant and entire scar capsule surrounding it.
🔹 En Bloc Capsulectomy: Removal of the implant and capsule together in one piece (often recommended for BIA-ALCL cases).
🔹 Implant Removal with Fat Transfer: Some women opt for fat grafting to restore natural breast volume after explantation.
Many women report significant improvements in their health after removing their implants, but not everyone experiences immediate relief. The decision to explant should be carefully considered with guidance from a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Should You Get Breast Implants?
If you are considering breast implants, it’s important to be fully informed about the potential risks and long-term considerations.
🔹 Choose a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon – Ensure your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS).
🔹 Discuss Your Medical History – If you have a history of autoimmune diseases, you may be at higher risk for inflammatory reactions.
🔹 Understand Implant Lifespan – Breast implants are not lifetime devices and may need replacement or removalafter 10-15 years.
🔹 Monitor Your Health – Annual check-ups and routine MRI screenings are crucial for early detection of issues.
Ultimately, the decision to get implants or remove them is highly personal. The key is to listen to your body, stay informed, and work with a trusted plastic surgeon.
Final Thoughts: Empower Yourself with Knowledge
Breast Implant Illness remains a controversial but very real concern for many women. While research is ongoing, many patients report major health improvements after explantation.
At the same time, millions of women have implants and experience no health issues at all. The most important thing is to:
✔️ Stay informed about potential risks
✔️ See your plastic surgeon for regular check-ups
✔️ Trust your intuition if something feels wrong
Your health and confidence matter. Whether you’re considering implants or need advice on explanation, we’re here to help.
- BIAALCL, BII, BreastAugmentation, BreastImplantIllness, ConfidenceMatters, DrStephenson, ESJAesthetics, ExplantSurgery, PlasticSurgerySafety
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