Breast implant illness (BII) is a condition that can arise due to the body’s rejection of surgically inserted breast implants. The exact cause of BII is, unfortunately, tricky to pinpoint, so the condition is identified by its symptoms. Learning to recognize the symptoms of breast implant illness is a worthwhile endeavor if you plan on receiving breast implants. Having knowledge on the subject should give you a better chance at resolving the issue as it arises. If you are considering receiving breast implants, take a look at this guide, which outlines some aspects of breast implant illness and answers the question, “how common is breast implant illness?”.
What is Breast Implant Illness?
Breast implant illness describes the symptoms that occur when a patient’s body reacts to newly inserted breast implants. Although severe effects caused by BII are rare, potential candidates for breast implants should learn about the condition so they are equipped to handle it if it arises.
The exact cause of BII is currently unknown. However, there are some plausible hypotheses about its source, including:
- Bacterial infections that occur around the implant’s surface
- Autoimmune and inflammatory responses to the breast implants
How Common is Breast Implant Illness?
Breast implant illness is a moderately common condition, affecting more than 400,000 individuals annually. That said, it should be noted that a person may experience some of the adverse effects associated with breast implants and not connect those symptoms to breast implant illness. Any individual who receives breast implants is at risk for developing this condition or its symptoms.
An individual can face breast implant illness both with saline or silicone breast implants. In addition, the symptoms can appear immediately after breast implant surgery or emerge several years after the procedure. Most patients will find that their symptoms go away after their implants are removed. In cases where this does not occur, further medical work may be needed to resolve the situation.
Reducing the Risk of Breast Implant Illness
Unfortunately, as the cause of breast implant illness is currently unknown, so there is not much one can do to reduce the risk of contracting the condition. It seems that some individuals are more naturally prone to contracting breast implant illness while others are not. Every patient who undergoes breast implant treatment will find themselves vulnerable to contracting breast implant illness.
You should discuss breast implant illness with your physician prior to receiving surgery if you are concerned about contracting the condition. They may be able to outline the risks that you are taking on, as well as whether you might be particularly vulnerable to developing this condition.
The Symptoms of Breast Implant Illness
The symptoms of breast implant illness are highly variable and can vary considerably from person to person. Common symptoms of the condition include the following:
- Muscle pain
- Joint pain
- Muscle weakness
- Memory loss
- Fatigue
- Anxiety and depression
- Trouble concentrating
- Chronic pain
- Autoimmune symptoms
- Hair loss
- Dry eyes
- Rashes and other skin problems
There is no standardized test to diagnose this type of illness. Rather, a physician will record the symptoms and note whether there was a recent breast implant procedure. In addition, they may perform a series of tests to rule out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms.
Treating Breast Implant Illness
The primary treatment method for breast implant illness is the removal of the breast implants. Although this may come as a disappointment for the patient, it is the safest course of action in this situation. The steps of breast implant removal are as follows:
- The physician makes an incision around the nipples or the folds of your breasts.
- The implants are removed.
- The physician may also remove scar tissue from the implant area.
- The incision is closed using stitches, skin adhesives, or tape.
Most patients see an immediate improvement in their symptoms following the implant removal. Others may have to wait up to 30 days to notice an improvement. If your breast implant illness symptoms do not resolve themselves after three months, you should return to your doctor’s office to discuss further remedial options.
The Best Implant Surgeon in Beverly Hills
Dr. Elise Min and her team are equipped to serve Southern California residents with the best in breast implant care. If you are looking for a top-notch female plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, contact Min Plastic Surgery so we can make a plan for your ideal surgery.
