Despite not being officially recognised, Breast Implant Illness (BII) is a condition that refers to a range of symptoms some women attribute to their breast implants. Knowing more about breast implant illness is important for those considering augmentation or experiencing unexplained health issues post-surgery.
In this blog, Chester Consultant Plastic Surgeon Anca Breahna will discuss what BII entails, including its symptoms, potential causes, and the available treatment options for breast implant illness. Exploring these aspects could offer insights into navigating this complex condition, fostering a better understanding of the measures you can take to manage or alleviate symptoms related to breast implants.
Every year, many women choose to have breast implants all over the world. At the same time, some of them choose to have breast implants removed.
Understanding the wide variety of breast implants available is essential for those considering this procedure. Here are more details about the types and characteristics of breast implants:
It’s important to mention that breast implant illness (BII) could occur with any type of implant.
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Breast Implant Illness (BII) describes a variety of symptoms believed to be linked to breast implants, affecting women regardless of the implant type – including silicone gel-filled, saline-filled, smooth surface, textured surface, round, or teardrop-shaped. The condition is differentiated from breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), other lymphomas, and breast implant-associated squamous cell carcinoma (BIA-SCC), focusing primarily on autoimmune or inflammatory reactions.
Key Points on BII:
Symptoms of Breast Implant Illness (BII) manifest in a variety of ways, impacting women differently. These symptoms can emerge at any time post-implant surgery, ranging from immediately after the procedure to several years later. The complexity of BII symptoms often mirrors those associated with autoimmune and connective tissue disorders, making diagnosis and treatment a challenge. To aid in understanding, symptoms are categorised as follows:
Musculoskeletal Issues:
Cognitive Issues:
Systemic Issues:
Additionally, some patients may experience symptoms that are specifically indicative of silicone toxicity, such as rashes, dry mouth, dry eyes, muscle weakness, and general fatigue. It’s important for women experiencing these symptoms to seek medical evaluation to explore the possibility of BII and discuss potential treatment options.
Exploring the potential causes of Breast Implant Illness (BII) reveals a complex interplay of factors that may contribute to the onset of symptoms. These factors include:
Autoimmune or Inflammatory Response:
Surgical Reaction:
Pre-existing Conditions:
Understanding these potential causes is essential for patients considering breast implants and those experiencing unexplained symptoms post-implantation. Awareness and further research into these factors could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment options for BII.
Any persistent symptoms that occur in patients with breast implants should be investigated for other medical conditions prior to consideration of removal of breast implants. If no other cause is found research has shown that they are likely to experience at least partial symptom improvement after implant removal. This improvement can occur with no capsulectomy or only partial removal of capsule. This is a procedure less invasive and caries lower risks than en-bloc capsulectomy which should be reserved to certain cases such as capsular malignancy.
Post-Surgical Care Recommendations:
Considerations and Outcomes:
In the quest to understand and effectively treat Breast Implant Illness (BII), significant strides are being made through organised research efforts and clinical studies. Key among these initiatives is the establishment of a BII task force by The Aesthetic Society, aimed at conducting long-term research. This task force is tracking new breast implant patients over a period exceeding 10 years, gathering valuable data on the incidence and progression of BII symptoms.
Research Initiatives:
Given the absence of definitive diagnostic tests for BII, healthcare providers currently rely on excluding other conditions to diagnose BII. This highlights the urgent need for:
This ongoing research is key in paving the way for a deeper understanding of BII, potentially leading to the establishment of standardised diagnostic criteria and effective treatment modalities.
Yes, Breast Implant Illness can occur with both silicone and saline implants. The symptoms associated with BII are believed to be related to the body’s response to the implants themselves, rather than the specific type of filler material. Patients with either type of implant have reported experiencing symptoms of BII.
Symptoms of Breast Implant Illness can appear at any time after the implant surgery. For some patients, symptoms may begin to manifest shortly after surgery, while for others, symptoms might not appear for several years. The onset of symptoms is highly individual and can vary greatly from person to person.
Currently, there is no single test that can diagnose Breast Implant Illness. Diagnosis is primarily based on the patient’s symptoms and medical history. Healthcare providers may conduct a variety of tests to rule out other conditions and to assess the overall health of the patient, but diagnosing BII often involves a process of elimination.
Explant surgery, which involves the removal of breast implants, is considered a potential treatment for BII, but whether it is necessary depends on your symptoms and preferences. Many patients report symptom improvement after explantation, but it’s important to discuss all available treatment options with a plastic surgeon to make an informed decision that’s right for you.
Currently, there is no guaranteed way to prevent Breast Implant Illness. Patients considering breast implant surgery should discuss the potential risks and benefits with the plastic surgeon. Choosing an experienced plastic surgeon and staying informed about the latest research and guidelines can also help manage the risks associated with breast implants.