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Breast Implant Illness – Causes, Symptoms and Treatments

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As with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks involved. is an invasive type of cosmetic surgery involving the surgical placement of breast implants. Breast augmentation in the UK is considered a very safe procedure with a low risk of complications. Breast implant illness or BII has recently been discussed in the media, and many patients may be wondering whether this is a recognised complication of breast implant surgery.

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Breast implant illness, or BII, describes a range of potential symptoms that may occur after breast augmentation surgery. Breast implant illness is not yet entirely accepted by the medical community as a formal diagnosis because it covers a wide range of potential symptoms. Some patients may experience tension-type headaches with dry eyes or dry mouth. Other patients may suffer from chronic fatigue and muscle aches and pains.

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Recognised complications of breast augmentation surgery include the risk of bleeding or infection, as can occur after any surgical procedure. It is always worth carrying out plenty of research about all aspects of the procedure to identify potential symptoms of concern before they progress further. Here we discuss likely symptoms of breast implant illness and what to look out for during the recovery period after breast augmentation.

What is Breast Implant Illness?

Breast Implant Illness (BII) is a term people use to describe a range of symptoms that some individuals experience after getting breast implants. These symptoms can vary widely and aren’t limited to one specific part of the body. People started talking about a link between breast implants and these types of symptoms as far back as the 1960s, according to research in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal. Another term for this condition is autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA).

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Even though people have been discussing BII for a long time, it’s still a topic that divides opinion. The internet, especially social media, is full of posts about BII. But it’s important to note that not all of this information is accurate. Even within the UK’s plastic surgery community, there isn’t a clear agreement on whether BII is a real condition or if the symptoms are caused by something else entirely.

Researchers and cosmetic surgeons worldwide are investigating BII to understand how these symptoms occur, the best way to treat them, and what’s actually going on inside the body. They’re studying all types of breast implants, whether filled with saline or gel or have a smooth or textured surface, to see if any of these factors could be contributing to the problem.

At the moment, BII isn’t officially recognised as a medical condition. This is mainly because there isn’t enough scientific research that looks at BII as its own unique condition. However, efforts are being made to better understand it. In March 2019, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) held a meeting to discuss the risks and benefits of using breast implants for cosmetic or reconstructive purposes. They also talked about BII during this meeting. In September 2020, the FDA even recommended updating the labels on breast implants to make the information easier for people to understand. These updates would include ‘black box’ warnings that highlight both the good and the bad sides of getting breast implants, so people can make more informed decisions.

So, while it may not be medically recognised just yet, BII is certainly a topic that’s gaining more attention and becoming a more important part of the conversation about breast implants.

Potential symptoms of breast implant illness after having breast augmentation

Breast implant illness is still being actively studied by researchers and is not yet fully understood, although there are specific symptoms that are more likely as part of breast implant illness. It is helpful to understand what breast implant illness is and what symptoms to look for in case you experience similar symptoms after breast augmentation. It is important to remember that breast implant illness is sporadic, and certain symptoms should be taken seriously during breast augmentation recovery. Many of the symptoms described below can often be found in other medical conditions and are often short-lived. If you have any concerns about potential breast implant illness symptoms, we recommend having a follow-up appointment with your surgeon for a detailed clinical assessment.

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A decline in mental well-being

Many patients may have difficulty focusing on specific tasks, become increasingly irritable, forgetful or develop short-term or long-term memory loss as part of a "brain fog" syndrome.

Fatigue and lethargy

Lack of energy may also be reported by many patients who often feel tired for most of the day and lack the energy to carry out normal activities.

Sleep disruption and insomnia

Although it is common to experience altered sleeping habits in the early period after breast augmentation surgery, this is most commonly due to the need to sleep on your back, which may not be ideal for many patients who prefer to sleep on their side or front. Some patients may develop persistent alterations to their sleeping habits and may have difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.

Hormonal imbalance

Disruption in the levels of oestrogen and progesterone may contribute to potential symptoms of breast implant illness. Patients may develop hair loss or weight changes. A reduced sex drive or may be experiencing early menopausal symptoms. Some women may produce alterations in the normal menstrual cycle.

Skin concerns

Changes in pigmentation and the development of a coarse skin texture may occur. Allergic reactions may be more common, including persistent itchiness or dry skin on specific body areas such as the legs.

Gastrointestinal upset

Patients may be more prone to developing abdominal discomfort, loose stools or constipation, which may be indistinguishable from symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

Breast changes

Breast implant illness may be linked to symptoms affecting the breast. Typical examples include pain and discomfort, swelling, change in breast shape, redness, nipple discharge or an increase in heaviness.

How is Breast Implant Illness Treated?

Treatment for Breast Implant Illness (BII) is still a hot topic of debate among medical professionals, mainly because the condition itself isn’t officially recognised. That said, several approaches are commonly considered.

One major study published in the Annals of Plastic Surgery indicated that removing the implants and the surrounding scar tissue (known as the capsule) led to significant improvements in symptoms for a number of patients. While these results are promising, experts agree that more research is needed to confirm the long-term effectiveness of this treatment.

A commonly discussed surgical approach is , which involves removing the implant and the capsule around it in one piece. At Centre for Surgery, our qualified plastic surgeons have years of experience with this technique and have observed significant improvements in symptoms in the majority of our BII patients.

Our philosophy is straightforward: when a foreign object like a breast implant is inserted into the body, the body’s natural reaction is to form a protective scar tissue around it, known as a capsule. The symptoms of BII could potentially be related to the implant itself, contaminants on its surface, or the capsule. Removing all these elements in one go minimises the body’s exposure to any potential irritants. Moreover, for implants with a textured surface, en bloc removal eliminates the risk of developing a type of cancer known as Lymphoma (ALCL) in the capsule.

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However, it’s important to note that En Bloc capsulectomy is a more complicated surgical procedure that comes with its own set of risks like bleeding (hematoma), collapsed lung (pneumothorax), and deformity, especially in women with thin tissues. Because of the associated risks, it’s crucial that such procedures are performed by experienced surgeons.

Before considering implant removal, you must rule out other potential causes of your symptoms. This often involves a variety of tests including complete blood count, thyroid function tests, and liver and kidney function tests, as well as breast imaging when indicated.

Patients need to get information from reliable sources. Many people turn to social media for information on BII, which often leads to misinformation. Consulting experienced surgeons for accurate and reliable information is crucial for effective treatment, regardless of the underlying cause of your symptoms.

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What are the medical risks of breast augmentation?

Much is still unknown about breast implant illness and whether it exists as a defined medical condition. . When performed by an expert consultant plastic surgeon, the risks of breast augmentation are considered minimal. Typical risks include:

What are the cosmetic risks of breast augmentation?

Many patients are often more familiar with breast augmentation’s cosmetic risks than the medical risks described above. Some patients may be unhappy with their procedure’s outcome, which is often related to unrealistic expectations for treatment or when the surgeon does not achieve what the patient was looking for. Recognised cosmetic complications of breast augmentation include:

Too big or too small

The most common risk associated with breast augmentation is having implants considered too large or too small compared with treatment goals. Here at Centre for Surgery, we always strongly recommend trying on implants with breast sizes during the consultation to form a good idea of which size of implant you like the most. The ideal implant will also match your chest wall anatomy.

Implants that sit too high on the chest

Breast implants often appear higher up on the chest during the early recovery phase, and it’s not necessarily related to implant malposition. It is normal to have swelling in the early recovery period, and the implants will gradually fall into the correct position during the first four weeks of recovery.

Implants that are too low

Just as breast implants may be positioned too high on the chest, they can also end up too low as part of a