Breast Implant Illness
Beverly Hills & Santa Barbara
WHAT IS BREAST IMPLANT ILLNESS?
In the medical domain, breast implant sickness (BII) is a group of symptoms that some women have after getting breast implants. It is a controversial and poorly understood condition, with doctors are still debating about whether it exists as a direct cause of breast implants, or if it is part of a larger syndrome. Many women report experiencing diverse symptoms post breast implantation or augmentation, collectively termed as BII.
There are a few ideas about what might cause BII, but no one knows for sure. One idea is that the body’s immune system might not like the materials used in the implants, which could cause inflammation and the start of symptoms. Another idea is that the devices might leak or release chemicals over time, which could be harmful or cause an immune response.
Some experts have also looked into the possible role of bacterial biofilms, which are groups of microorganisms that can grow on implants. It’s possible that these biofilms will cause an immune reaction or release poisons that make symptoms worse. Even though more people are learning about BII, doctors still have different ideas about how to recognize and treat it.
COMMON SYMPTOMS OF BII
It's important to recognize that the below signs may also result from other health issues, and their presence doesn't always indicate BII.
The signs of BII can vary widely from person to person, but some common ones include:
- Tiredness and long-term tiredness
- Problems with thinking and remembering, like brain fog,
- Memory loss, and trouble focusing
- Pain in muscles and joints
- Loss of hair
- Sores and skin issues
- Eyes and mouth that are dry
- GI problems, like feeling sick, throwing up, or having stomach pain
- Anxiety and sadness
- Having allergies and autoimmune diseases
HOW DOES ONE DEVELOP IT?
The development of Breast Implant Illness (BII) and its underlying mechanisms are not fully understood, and there is ongoing debate within the medical community about its existence and causative factors. However, some theories and potential contributing factors have been proposed:
Immune Response
One hypothesis is that the body’s immune system may react to the presence of breast implants, leading to systemic inflammation and a range of symptoms. This could occur through various mechanisms, including the body’s response to the implant itself, the materials used in the implant, or biofilms that form on the implant surface.
Silicone Exposure
In the case of silicone gel implants, concerns have been raised about the possibility of silicone leakage or rupture, which could lead to silicone exposure in the body. Some individuals believe that silicone leakage may trigger immune reactions or other adverse effects, although the extent to which silicone from implants enters the body and causes harm is still debated (Wee et al., 2020).
Psychological Factors
Psychological or psychosocial factors may also play a role in the development or perception of BII symptoms. Some individuals may experience symptoms due to stress, anxiety, or other psychological factors, independent of any physical effects of breast implants.
Pre-existing Conditions
It’s possible that some individuals who develop symptoms attributed to BII may have underlying medical conditions or predisposing factors that contribute to their symptoms. These conditions could include autoimmune disorders, hormonal imbalances, or other health issues that may be unrelated to the breast implants.
Individual Variability
Not all individuals with breast implants experience symptoms associated with BII, suggesting that individual differences in immune response, genetics, or other factors may influence susceptibility to developing symptoms.
It’s important to note that the exact mechanisms underlying BII are still poorly understood, and further research is needed to elucidate the relationship between breast implants and the reported symptoms. Additionally, the diagnosis of BII is complex and often requires thorough evaluation by healthcare professionals to rule out other potential causes of symptoms (Lee et al., 2020). If someone suspects they are experiencing symptoms they believe may be related to their breast implants, it’s essential for them to seek medical evaluation and guidance from qualified healthcare professionals. A comprehensive assessment can help determine the underlying cause of the symptoms and guide appropriate management strategies.
HOW DOES ONE TREAT BREAST IMPLANT ILLNESS?
As of January 2022, no approved medications treat Breast Implant Illness (BII) due to ongoing medical debate and lack of conclusive evidence linking implants to symptoms (Yang et al., 2022). Individuals with implants experiencing related symptoms should consult healthcare providers for comprehensive management.
- Symptom Management: Healthcare providers may prescribe medications to alleviate specific symptoms associated with BII. For example, pain relievers may be recommended for joint and muscle pain, while antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed for mood-related symptoms.
- Supportive Care: Supportive measures, such as rest, stress reduction techniques, and lifestyle modifications, may help individuals cope with their symptoms and improve overall well-being.
- Explantation: Some individuals with BII choose to have their breast implants removed (explantation) in hopes of alleviating their symptoms. While explantation may lead to symptom improvement in some cases, it is not guaranteed to resolve all symptoms, and the decision to undergo surgery should be carefully considered in consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon.
- Follow-up Care: After explantation or other interventions, individuals may require ongoing follow-up care to monitor their symptoms and address any complications that may arise.
It’s essential for individuals experiencing symptoms they believe may be related to their breast implants to seek evaluation and guidance from qualified healthcare professionals. A thorough assessment can help determine the underlying cause of the symptoms and guide appropriate management strategies tailored to individual needs (Bird & Niessen, 2022). Additionally, further research is needed to better understand the potential risks associated with breast implants and their impact on patient health, as well as to develop evidence-based treatments for individuals experiencing symptoms attributed to their implants.
WHAT IS THE HISTORY BEHIND BREAST IMPLANT ILLNESS?
The concept of Breast Implant Illness (BII) has evolved over time alongside advancements in breast implant technology and increased awareness of patient-reported symptoms.
It’s important to note that the identification and characterization of BII have been shaped by a complex interplay of patient experiences, scientific research, regulatory actions, and public discourse. The topic remains an area of ongoing investigation and debate within the medical community.
Early Use of Breast Implants
Breast implants have been used since the 1960s for breast augmentation and reconstruction purposes. Initially, silicone gel-filled implants were the most commonly type used and remain the most popular type of breast implant.
Emergence of Patient Complaints
In the 1980s and 1990s, reports began to surface from some women who had breast implants, particularly silicone gel implants, who claimed to experience various symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, and cognitive issues. These reports led to concerns about the safety of breast implants (Lee et al., 2020).
FDA Moratorium
In 1992, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) imposed a moratorium on silicone gel-filled breast implants for cosmetic use due to concerns about safety and insufficient long-term data (Cohen Tervaert et al., 2022). Silicone implants were only available for use in clinical trials and certain medically necessary procedures.
Class Action Lawsuits
Several class-action lawsuits were filed against breast implant manufacturers by women who claimed to have experienced health problems associated with their implants. These lawsuits raised public awareness and contributed to ongoing debates about the safety of breast implants.
Research and Medical Investigations
Over the years, researchers conducted studies to investigate the potential health effects of breast implants, including their association with systemic symptoms. While some studies suggested a possible link between breast implants and certain symptoms, others did not find a consistent relationship.
Internet and Patient Advocacy
With the rise of the internet and social media, women with breast implants began sharing their experiences and symptoms online, leading to the formation of patient advocacy groups and online communities dedicated to discussing Breast Implant Illness. Breast implant illness has since gained much more attention from the community, prompting more research on the otherwise poorly understood condition.
Increased Attention and Recognition
In recent years, there has been growing recognition of BII as a phenomenon among some individuals with breast implants. While the medical community continues to debate the existence and nature of BII, there is increased awareness and interest in understanding the potential risks associated with breast implants, and more research to suggest a causal link between silicone breast implants and systemic symptoms.
WHAT ARE THE BEST IMPLANTS TO PREVENT BREAST IMPLANT ILLNESS?
As of my last update in January 2022, there is no definitive evidence to suggest that any specific type of breast implant is guaranteed to prevent Breast Implant Illness (BII) (Cohen Tervaert et al., 2022). BII is a complex and controversial topic, and its exact causes and risk factors remain poorly understood. While some individuals attribute their symptoms to their breast implants, including silicone and saline implants, scientific evidence linking implants to systemic symptoms is limited and inconclusive. However, there are factors to consider when choosing breast implants that may potentially mitigate certain risks:
- Silicone vs. Saline Implants
- Implant Surface
- Implant Size and Shape
- Surgical Technique and Placement
- Regular Monitoring and Follow-up
WHO IS MOST PRONE TO DEVELOPING BREAST IMPLANT ILLNESS?
As of my last update in January 2022, there is limited scientific evidence to definitively identify specific factors that may predispose individuals to developing Breast Implant Illness (BII). BII remains a controversial and poorly understood phenomenon, and its exact causes and risk factors are still under investigation (Newby et al., 2021). However, certain factors may potentially increase the likelihood of experiencing symptoms attributed to breast implants:
Personal Sensitivity
Some individuals may be more sensitive or susceptible to developing symptoms in response to foreign materials or implants placed within their bodies. Factors such as genetic predisposition, immune system function, and individual variability in response to implants may play a role.
Implant Characteristics
The type, size, shape, and surface texture of breast implants may influence the risk of developing symptoms associated with BII. For example, textured implants have been associated with a rare form of lymphoma called Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), which may present with symptoms similar to BII in some cases.
Underlying Health Conditions
Individuals with pre-existing health conditions, such as autoimmune disorders, fibromyalgia, or other chronic illnesses, may be more prone to developing symptoms that overlap with those attributed to BII. These conditions can interact with the presence of breast implants and may influence symptom development.
Psychological Factors
Psychological or psychosocial factors, such as stress, anxiety, or negative expectations regarding breast implants, may influence symptom perception and the experience of BII-like symptoms.
Surgical Factors
Surgical factors related to breast implant placement, such as implant size, placement technique (submuscular vs. subglandular), and surgical complications, may affect the risk of developing symptoms after breast augmentation or reconstruction surgery (Rohrich, Bellamy, & Alleyne, 2022).
Environmental Exposures
Environmental factors, such as exposure to toxins or environmental pollutants, may interact with breast implants and contribute to symptom development in susceptible individuals.
It’s important to note that the factors influencing the development of BII are complex and multifactorial, and not all individuals with breast implants will experience symptoms. Additionally, further research is needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms of BII and identify potential risk factors. If you have concerns about your breast implants or are experiencing symptoms that you believe may be related to them, it’s essential to seek evaluation and guidance from qualified healthcare professionals. They can help determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and develop an appropriate management plan tailored to your individual needs.
ARE THERE ANY LABORATORY STUDIES?
One Can Get To See If They Have Breast Implant Illness?
As of my last update in January 2022, there are no specific laboratory tests or diagnostic criteria established for the diagnosis of Breast Implant Illness (BII). BII remains a controversial and poorly understood phenomenon, and there is ongoing debate within the medical community about its existence, underlying mechanisms, and diagnostic criteria.
Since the symptoms associated with BII can overlap with those of various other medical conditions, the diagnosis typically relies on a thorough medical history, physical examination, and evaluation of symptoms. Healthcare providers may also consider ruling out other potential causes of the symptoms through laboratory tests, imaging studies, and other diagnostic procedures. While specific tests for diagnosing BII do not currently exist, healthcare providers may order various tests based on the individual’s symptoms and clinical presentation. These tests may include blood tests to assess inflammation or autoimmune markers, imaging studies to evaluate the breasts and surrounding tissues, and other diagnostic procedures as needed.
SPECIFIC TESTS TO DIAGNOSE BII
While there are no specific tests to diagnose BII, healthcare providers may order various tests based on the individual's symptoms and medical history. These tests may include:
- Blood Tests
- Ultrasound
- Mammography
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Other Diagnostic Tests
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