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Breast implant illness (BII) is a term used by many patients to describe a large number of symptoms that are caused by the presence of breast implants. Currently breast implant illness (BII) is an unrecognized medical condition, affecting many women worldwide. The condition occurs in both patients with silicone as well as saline-filled breast implants. Presently there are no specific physical examination findings or laboratory tests that can explain the patient’s symptoms. Thus, most patients come to this diagnosis after all other diagnoses have been excluded. Ultimately BII is a self-reported diagnosis. 

Contents

What are the Symptoms of Breast Implant Illness? 

Breast implant illness is an umbrella term that encompasses a variety of symptoms experienced by women with breast implants, such as:

  • Chronic fatigue 
  • Arthralgias (joint pain) 
  • Myalgias (muscle aches & pain) 
  • Depression 
  • Hair loss 
  • Difficulty swallowing 
  • Cognitive dysfunction including memory loss 
  • Skin rashes 
  • Sleep disturbance 
  • Headaches 
  • Flu-like symptoms 

How is Breast Implant Illness Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of breast implant illness is often difficult as the symptoms are non-specific and may appear similar to other illnesses or diseases. It is important to note that there is no universal test to diagnose BII. It’s important to consult first with your primary care physician to rule out other diagnoses. 

What are the Causes of Breast Implant Illness? 

Many breast implant illness websites, social media groups, and patients state that the heavy metals and toxins found inside implants are the cause of the breast implant illness. Others feel that the bacteria or fungi that may be found around the breast implant known as biofilm, are the cause of their illness. Many patients feel that the implant as well as the surrounding scar tissue, known as the capsule, needs to be removed for their symptoms to resolve. In addition, patients will request “en-bloc” removal of the implant and capsule. Understandably, if the implant is the source of toxins, then the capsule which surrounds the implant, likely contains the toxins as well, and should be removed.

As a patient it is very important to understand that these causes of breast implant illness and above suggested treatments are currently unsupported by the current medical literature and more studies need to be performed. It’s important to realize that within the medical community, this is a highly controversial issue, there are only a few good studies that have been performed, and additional studies need to be performed in order to better understand this phenomenon. Lastly, not only do we not have a lot of good information on the subject but there is a lot of very bad information as well as misinformation provided by non-practitioners.

Fortunately, there are published reports in medical journals that do show patients will have improvements of their symptoms after the implants are removed (1). Despite what most websites and social media sites report, there is no clinical study to date that supports the idea that capsulectomy must be performed in order for patients to feel better. There are currently two landmark studies that were recently published that do shed light on the diagnosis and treatment of BII. These studies are discussed later on this page. 

Treatment Options Available to Patients with BII 

  • Implant removal without removal of the capsule.
  • Implant removal and partial capsulectomy.
  • Implant removal and complete capsulectomy.
  • Implant removal and intact complete capsulectomy 

In many cases, simply removing the implants can be enough to alleviate the symptoms and provide relief. In one study, around 60% of the women suffering from BII symptoms who had their implants removed experienced a decline in symptoms. Dr. Zarrabi will work with you to determine a treatment plan to help you live a full life after BII. 

Recovery After Breast Implant Illness 

Once breast implant illness is treated, the recovery process can vary depending on each patient’s individual symptoms and health. In some cases, a full recovery may take a few weeks, but severe cases could take months or even years.  If you think you may have BII, contact Dr. Zarrabi today so he can help you determine the best course of action for your recovery. 

Recovery After Breast Implant Illness 

Once breast implant illness is treated, the recovery process can vary depending on each patient’s individual symptoms and health. In some cases, a full recovery may take a few weeks, but severe cases could take months or even years.  If you think you may have BII, contact Dr. Zarrabi today so he can help you determine the best course of action for your recovery. 

Book a Consultation 

Dr. Zarrabi will discuss all your options with you and help you find the best solution for your individual needs. During your consultation, he will answer any questions you have, discuss the risks and potential complications of breast implant surgery, and provide you with the best care to make an informed decision regarding your health and safety. 

We are committed to providing our patients with top-of-the-line care and treatment at Zarrabi Plastic Surgery. Call our Santa Monica and Beverly Hills offices today to book a consultation. 

Call (310) 584-9990 to reach our Santa Monica and Beverly Hills offices.

Important Studies to Consider

Impact of Capsulectomy Type on Post-Explantation Systemic Symptom Improvement: Findings From the ASERF Systemic Symptoms in Women-Biospecimen Analysis Study: Part 1.  Caroline Glicksman, MD, MSJ, FACS, Patricia McGuire, MD, Marshall Kadin, MD, Marisa Lawrence, MD, Melinda Haws, MD, Jill Newby, PhD, Sarah Ferenz, BA, James Sung, MD, FCAP, Roger Wixtrom, PhD 

This was a landmark study performed to determine if “en bloc” capsulectomy is necessary for long-term symptom improvement.  150 patients were enrolled in the study and underwent either intact complete capsulectomy, complete capsulectomy, or partial capsulectomy. The patients were followed for six months. The authors found that the type of capsulectomy; intact total, total, or partial all showed similar symptom improvement with no statistical difference in the reduction of symptoms based on the type of capsulectomy. The findings show that patients who self-report BII demonstrate a statistically significant improvement in their symptoms after explantation and that this improvement persists for at least 6 months. This improvement in self-reported systemic symptoms was seen regardless of the type of capsulectomy performed.

Heavy Metals in Breast Implant Capsules and Breast Tissue: Findings from the Systemic Symptoms in Women–Biospecimen Analysis Study: Part 2 Roger Wixtrom, PhD, Caroline Glicksman, MD, MSJ, Marshall Kadin, MD, Marisa Lawrence, MD, Melinda Haws, MD, Sarah Ferenz, BA, James Sung, MD, FCAP, Patricia McGuire, MD

This was the second part of the study that aimed to determine whether heavy metals are present in the capsules around saline and silicone implants and if there are statistical differences in the type or level of these metals between women with or without symptoms. 150 patients were enrolled in the study and divided into three groups: 1) Women with self-reported BII,  2) Women with breast implants but did not report BII, and 3) women who never had breast implants.  Capsule tissue that was removed was analyzed for 22 heavy metals.  Heavy metal content was compared between the capsule tissue from Groups 1 and 2. The only statistically significant differences identified in Group 1 were higher levels of arsenic and zinc, and lower levels of cobalt, manganese, silver, and tin. There were no elevated levels or statistically significant differences in the other metals tested between Groups 1 and 2. Heavy metals were also detected in the non-implant Group 3 breast tissue.  In Group 3 (patients who never had implants), some had higher levels of metals than patients in Group 1 and 2 (patients with breast implants). Smoking, gluten-free diets, dietary supplements, and the presence of tattoos were all identified as statistically significant sources of arsenic and zinc in Group 1. 

References

1. Melmed EP.  A review of explantation in 240 symptomatic women: a description of explantation and capsulectomy with reconstruction using a periareolar technique. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1998; 101(5):1364-1373.

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