Most women who have breast implants placed for breast enhancement or reconstruction never experience significant issues and are happy with their results. Unfortunately, the procedure is not without risks; some women develop complications due to a syndrome known as breast implant illness.
Those experiencing breast implant illness in Nashville should seek medical counsel. When you experience problems or symptoms after breast surgery, contact our qualified surgeon, Dr. Olivia MaDan, at BEYOND Collective. Our experienced team is dedicated to prioritizing your health and well-being.
What is Breast Implant Illness?
Breast implant illness (BII) is a collection of symptoms that some women with saline or silicone breast implants may experience. Symptoms may start shortly after surgery or many years later.
Some evidence suggests that people with a personal or family history of autoimmune diseases are at more risk of this condition. People with serious allergies, migraine headaches, chronic fatigue syndrome, or fibromyalgia may also be at higher risk. Women who report breast implant illness, also known as breast implant disease or silicone implant illness, describe various symptoms.
Symptoms of Breast Implant Illness
Many symptoms have been associated with BII, including:
- Depression or anxiety
- Brain fog, memory problems, or poor concentration
- Chronic fatigue
- Chronic joint or muscle pain
- Headaches
- Skin rashes and hair loss
- Dry eyes or vision changes
- Dry mouth, gastrointestinal problems, or unexplained weight changes
- Problems sleeping
- Muscle weakness
- Chest pain
- Chills
- Hormonal changes
- Sensitivity to light
Presently, no specific tests can diagnose breast implant illness. Many patients first visit their primary care provider to rule out conditions such as Lyme disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or scleroderma. Menopause, fibromyalgia, and hypothyroidism can also cause symptoms similar to BII. Once other diseases are eliminated, consider consulting our skilled Nashville surgeon, Dr. MaDan, to discuss breast implant illness.
What Causes Complications After Breast Implant Surgery?
The exact cause of breast implant illness remains unknown. It may be that a person’s body has an autoimmune or inflammatory reaction to parts of the breast implant. Although some believe silicone causes this reaction, implant illness is also reported with saline implants.
Certain patients may also be intolerant to other parts of the implant, such as the outer surface. Some women may be genetically predisposed to a strong immune reaction to materials in the breast implant. Autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA) is a recognized condition that could account for breast implant illness. Women with a known allergy to silicone should avoid silicone and saline breast implants.
Treating Breast Implant Illness
Treatment of breast implant illness can be complex. Our qualified surgeon in Nashville, Dr. MaDan, can discuss your options for treating breast implant illness and reducing symptoms. The majority of women with BII experience symptom resolution with implant removal.
Many patients report diminished BII symptoms shortly after the removal of their implants. Symptoms most likely to improve are fatigue, cognitive problems, anxiety, joint pain, and dry eyes. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that implant removal will resolve the symptoms of breast implant illness.
Discuss Breast Implant Illness with Our Nashville Surgeon
A highly experienced surgeon like Dr. MaDan stays up to date on all potential risks and complications of plastic surgery procedures, including breast implant illness. At BEYOND Collective, our patients’ safety and health are our top priorities. We are here to educate and inform our patients about breast implant illness in Nashville using evidence-based medicine. Call us today for more information.