Breast augmentation can help patients feel more confident and content with their bodies, but some experience breast implant illness: disruptive and uncomfortable symptoms after surgery. Although breast implant illness (BII) is not an established medical diagnosis, the medical community has learned more about it in recent years.
As one of Nashville’s premier female plastic surgeons, Dr. Olivia MaDan cares deeply about her patients’ results and ongoing aesthetic goals. Offering customized care, Dr. MaDan can evaluate any BII symptoms concerning you and help you develop a plan to discover and treat the cause.
What Is Breast Implant Illness?
Breast implant illness describes a constellation of symptoms patients believe may be connected to their implants. Unlike a traditional medical diagnosis with defined criteria, BII encompasses a wide range of health concerns that can vary significantly from person to person.
The most common symptoms of breast implant illness include:
- Brain fog
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Hair loss
- Rashes
- Anxiety
- Muscle aches
Research on BII documented widely varying reports of both symptoms and treatment effectiveness. For example, some patients report dramatic improvement after having their implants removed, while others see little change.
The symptoms associated with BII also overlap with other health conditions, which makes pinpointing the exact cause a challenge. No matter what, at BEYOND Collective, we believe our patients when they report symptoms. If you are experiencing possible symptoms of breast implant illness, we will work with you to find a solution.
How Do You Test for Breast Implant Illness?
At this time, no diagnostic test can confirm breast implant illness. This may feel frustrating for patients seeking clear answers about their health concerns.
Instead of various tests and procedures, Dr. MaDan identifies BII through reported symptoms, a comprehensive medical history, and the process of elimination. Dr. MaDan may also consult with your primary healthcare provider and any specialists you see to rule out other conditions that could explain your symptoms, like thyroid disorders, hormone imbalance, vitamin deficiencies, and autoimmune diseases.
This thorough evaluation is vital before making any decisions about your implants. A careful, methodical approach ensures you address the root cause of the problem.
How is Breast Implant Illness Treated?
Just like with its diagnosis, breast implant illness has no universal treatment protocol. Treatment should be highly individualized, often starting with symptom management. If symptoms persist, some patients may choose to go ahead with surgical implant removal.
Breast implant removal can mean removing the implants only but may also include extraction of scar tissue. The surgery typically involves making an incision around the nipple or beneath the breast fold, removing the implants, and closing the incision. Some patients choose to have a breast lift at the same time as their implant removal, which can help reshape the breast after the loss of volume.
Research shows that some patients notice symptom improvement immediately after surgery, while others don’t experience any relief. No surgeon can offer a guarantee that surgery will resolve BII symptoms. The relationship between implants and BII remains complex and not fully understood. Dr. MaDan approaches each case individually, considering implant removal only as a last resort after other possibilities have been explored and ruled out.
Can Breast Implant Illness Be Prevented?
No one knows how to prevent breast implant illness, but most patients don’t experience BII symptoms. If you have breast implants and are experiencing symptoms that concern you, let Dr. MaDan know. Don’t dismiss what you’re feeling or wait for it to get worse. Early evaluation allows for a more comprehensive approach to understanding what’s happening in your body.
Get Expert Guidance from Dr. MaDan in Nashville
Dr. MaDan emphasizes that no two patients have an identical experience with breast implant illness, and she always approaches treatment with custom solutions. Your symptoms and concerns are valid, and they deserve to be taken seriously. Whether you’re experiencing unexplained health changes after breast augmentation or simply want to understand more about BII, our expert team would love to speak with you.
The field of plastic surgery continuously evolves, and Dr. MaDan monitors all new research on breast implant safety and long-term outcomes so she can provide you with the most informed and compassionate care possible. If you have questions about breast implant illness or want to discuss symptoms you are having, contact BEYOND Collective in Nashville to schedule a private consultation with Dr. MaDan. Together, you can explore your concerns, evaluate your options, and make decisions that prioritize your beauty, health, and wellbeing.
