Breast implants can enhance your figure for a look you love, but they aren’t free of risk. One potential issue after breast augmentation is called breast implant illness (BII). This condition can cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms, such as brain fog, fatigue, muscle pain, and anxiety, that can range from mildly annoying to debilitating.
Read on to learn about the possible symptoms associated with breast implant illness, how it’s diagnosed, and how it’s treated.
What Is Breast Implant Illness (BII)?
Breast implant illness happens when your body has an inflammatory response at some point after you’ve had breast implants put in. The cause of this is not well understood. There are theories that this response can be triggered by:
- Breast implant material (silicone-based shells of breast implants, whether filled by saline or silicone gel)
- Bacteria or other microbes growing on the implant
- Bacteria or other microbes growing on scar tissue nearby
Also called breast implant disease, autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA), and silicone implant illness, BII can occur after a breast augmentation. It is not well understood if this is a direct reaction to the implant, triggered by microbes as above, or related to some other immune system process. It is important to emphasize that many plastic surgeons do not believe there is a direct cause-and-effect relationship between breast implants and these symptoms, but Dr. Sayed performs breast implant removal surgery on a few hundred patients a year for this issue and over 90% of the patients report improvement in their symptoms.
BII can include a wide range of such symptoms, and the procedure offered is known as explant surgery (breast implant removal). It appears symptoms can arise after augmentation with any type of breast implant, including those with a smooth or textured surface, silicone gel or saline filled, and round or teardrop shaped.
Although BII has not been officially recognized as a medical diagnosis, its symptoms are all too real to those who experience it. Dr. Tim Sayed is a double board-certified plastic surgeon, breast explant expert, and a leading figure in addressing BII. He offers specialized care at his practices in La Jolla and Newport Beach, CA. At Tim Sayed MD Plastic Surgery, you can benefit from compassionate care, surgical skill, and an emphasis on holistic recovery from BII.
Common Symptoms of Breast Implant Illness
BII symptoms can look very different from person to person. Common symptoms of breast implant illness include:
- Joint and muscle pain
- Muscle weakness
- Chronic fatigue
- Memory and concentration issues (“brain fog”)
- Headaches
- Light and sound sensitivity
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Hair loss
- Skin conditions
- Respiratory problems
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth and eyes
Many of these symptoms mimic other conditions, which can make it difficult to pinpoint BII as the cause. But, as a leader in this field, Dr. Sayed is well-versed in spotting and treating BII.
How Soon Do Symptoms of BII Appear?
The symptoms of breast implant illness can arise any time after surgery. You may notice symptoms immediately, but they can also appear years later. BII symptoms can happen when implants rupture, but they also occur with intact implants.
Autoimmune and Systemic Reactions Linked to BII
Some BII symptoms look very similar to those experienced with many autoimmune diseases, which makes some experts think the two may be connected. In autoimmune reactions, your body turns against itself, treating tissues like invading disease and mounting an immune defense against them.
For some, it appears that insertion of a breast implant may trigger an inflammatory response all over the body. For some, this reaction could stem from the material used (like silicone), but researchers are still investigating to find a definitive answer.
Can Breast Implants Cause Chronic Fatigue and Brain Fog?
Brain fog and chronic fatigue are common symptoms experienced in BII. Chronic fatigue can make it feel almost impossible to go about your daily life. Brain fog describes a range of cognitive symptoms like:
- Trouble concentrating
- Difficulty focusing
- Confusion
- Forgetfulness
- Losing your train of thought in conversation
- Mental fatigue
- Trouble finding your words
- Slow reaction time
While research hasn’t proved breast implants cause chronic fatigue and brain fog, many with BII report these symptoms.
How Is Breast Implant Illness Diagnosed?
Because BII isn’t yet recognized as a medical diagnosis, there are no protocols for testing and diagnosis to confirm you have it. Dr. Sayed uses a thorough diagnostic approach in his practice, including health history and symptom analysis and various diagnostic tests to rule out other conditions. Once conditions that cause similar symptoms are excluded, Dr. Sayed can develop a treatment plan with you.
What to Do If You Suspect You Have BII
If you think you may have BII, the best first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sayed, who specializes in BII and has extensive experience in implant removal, if necessary. At your consultation, Dr. Sayed will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and surgical history, and then he will order the required tests. Once other illnesses have been ruled out, Dr. Sayed can help you create a treatment plan tailored to you.
Breast Implant Removal: Does It Improve Symptoms?
For most people with BII, breast implant removal improves many symptoms associated with the illness. You may notice improvement quickly after surgery, which includes the removal of both implants and capsules (the layer of scar tissue that naturally forms around the implant after insertion). After your procedure, Dr. Sayed can provide you with a holistic recovery plan, including genetic testing and immune function support.
Why Do Patients Choose Dr. Tim Sayed for BII Treatment?
Patients choose Dr. Tim Sayed for BII treatment because of his considerable experience, skill, and knowledge in treating breast implant illness at his practices in Newport Beach and La Jolla. He uses the En Bloc Breast Implant Removal technique to remove breast implants. This specialized procedure is designed to address and avoid further complications by removing both the implant and capsule in one piece.
By using this expert surgical technique, Dr. Sayed ensures that no material or bacteria are left behind that could contribute to continued BII symptoms. Not all surgeons understand BII or how best to treat it, but Dr. Sayed offers both a modern surgical approach and a holistic recovery program to offer you the best outcome and improved quality of life. For expert, compassionate care, reach out online or call (858) 247-2933 to set up your consultation with Dr. Sayed in La Jolla or Newport Beach today.
