The term breast implant illness (BII) is used to describe a set of symptoms that certain women experience following breast implant surgery. This condition has gained increased attention in recent years as more women seek answers about the potential side effects of breast implants.

In this blog, we will dive into breast implant illness, its symptoms, and the impact it has on individuals, especially highlighting how to recognize the symptoms so women can make informed health decisions.

What is breast implant illness?

Breast implant illness (BII) encompasses a variety of symptoms that arise following breast implant surgery.

Breast implant illness (BII) has not been officially classified as a medical diagnosis yet, as it is still under investigation, but this might change down the line. Breast implant illness is also referred to by other names, including:

Breast implant disease
Autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA)
Silicone implant illness

Those affected by Breast implant illness (BII) may experience symptoms regardless of whether they have saline or silicone implants. The symptoms can emerge shortly after the surgery or may take years to appear. While many individuals report relief from their symptoms after having their implants removed, this isn’t the case for everyone.

Saline breast implant illness symptoms list

Breast implant illness symptoms can differ significantly among patients. These symptoms usually cross with symptoms of other medical conditions, hence difficulty in diagnosis. The breast implant illness symptoms list includes:

Fatigue: Women with BII often describe feeling constantly tired and drained, even after getting adequate rest.

Joint and muscle pain: A common symptom described by many women is joint and muscle pain in the shoulders, back, and hips. It makes it hard to do things on a daily basis and creates chronic pain.

Memory problems and brain fog: Another hallmark symptom of breast implant illness is “brain fog.” Women describe feeling forgetful, having difficulty concentrating, and experiencing mental cloudiness.

Headaches: Another common complaint is persistent, often severe headaches. These can be linked to stress, muscle tension, or neurological issues caused by the immune response to the implants.

Anxiety and depression: Women suffering from BII also describe emotional symptoms, such as anxiety, depression, and mood changes. The emotional impact of living with these bodily symptoms can be severe, producing emotional distress.

Hair loss: Sudden and unexplained hair thinning or hair loss can be a symptom of breast implant illness. This may occur due to hormonal changes, immune system responses, or other BII-related factors.

Rashes and skin issues: Some women experience skin rashes, itching, and other dermatological issues. These may be localized to the breast area or affect different body parts.

Chest pain: Chest pain, usually described as tightness or pressure, is another common symptom of breast implant illness. This may be associated with inflammation or other responses to the implants.

Lymph node swelling: Some women report swelling or tenderness in their lymph nodes, which can be a sign of immune system activation in response to the breast implants.

Gastrointestinal issues: Digestive problems such as bloating, nausea, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms are also reported by some women with BII.

While this breast implant illness symptoms list can seem alarming, it is important to remember that these symptoms are not exclusive to breast implant illness and can also be seen in a variety of other medical conditions.

What causes breast implant illness?

The underlying cause of breast implant illness has yet to be determined, and not all women with implants will face these symptoms. However, there are several theories as to why some women may develop BII:

Immune system response: Some experts believe that breast implant illness may be an autoimmune response. The body might identify the implants as a foreign substance and release an immune reaction. This can cause inflammation and various systemic symptoms.

Silicone leakage: In women who have silicone implants, there is a risk that the silicone gel could leak out of the implant and into the body. This may result in toxic reactions to the silicone that produce the symptoms seen in BII. Silicone leakage, however, is infrequent and has not been definitively associated with breast implant illness.

Infection: Occasionally, infection can occur around the implant and cause systemic symptoms. Infections can cause inflammation and immune reactions, which may trigger the onset of BII.

Genetic predisposition: A genetic component may predispose some women to develop BII. Specific individuals may more likely experience immune or inflammatory responses to breast implants.

Capsular contracture: Capsular contracture, a condition where scar tissue forms around the implant and tightens, may contribute to breast implant illness symptoms. The tightness and pressure caused by capsular contracture can result in pain and discomfort.

Diagnosis of breast implant illness

Diagnosing breast implant illness can be challenging due to the nonspecific nature of the symptoms. Doctors often rule out other potential causes before considering BII as a possibility. Women experiencing symptoms consistent with BII should consult a healthcare provider knowledgeable about the condition.

To rule out other conditions, Dr. Hasan Ali will likely perform a thorough evaluation, including physical exams, imaging, and blood tests.

Treatment and management of breast implant illness

Surgeons typically address breast implant illness by performing breast implant removal surgery. In this procedure, the surgeon will:

Make a cut around the nipple or on the breast fold.
Take out the implants.
If needed, remove the scarring tissue covering the implants.
Close the cut with stitches, skin glue, or tape.

Dr. Hasan Ali offers to perform a capsulectomy, a procedure that removes the scar tissue surrounding the implant. When the implant and the capsule are taken out together as a single unit, this is referred to as an en bloc capsulotomy.

Should you be concerned about breast implant illness?

Suppose you are considering breast implants or have already undergone breast augmentation surgery. In that case, it is essential to be aware of the potential risks associated with the procedure, including breast implant illness.

While not all women will experience BII, being informed about the symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention if symptoms arise can help you manage your health and make the best decisions for your body.

At Hasan Surgery, we are committed to providing patients with the latest information and support on breast health, including breast augmentation and the potential risks associated with implants.

Suppose you are concerned about breast implant illness or are experiencing symptoms. We encourage you to arrange a consultation with our expert team to go over your options and receive individualized care.

What Is Breast Implant Illness?