If you’ve been considering breast augmentation or have already undergone the procedure, it’s crucial to understand the potential risks associated with silicone implants. Breast augmentation surgery is one of the most popular and common plastic surgeries, but it’s also one of the riskiest. In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that breast implants can lead to a whole host of possible complications.
Some complications, like capsular contracture, are more evident, and others, like silicone implant incompatibility syndrome and breast implant illness, are harder to identify and trace because they can lead to non-specific, systemic issues.
Consequently, women with breast implants often suffer in silence for years or are repeatedly told by healthcare professionals that their symptoms are psychological before they receive the treatment they need.
At Executive Plastic Surgery, Dr. Shaher Khan is committed to spreading awareness about the true risks of breast implants, including silicone implant incompatibility syndrome (SIIS).
What is silicone implant incompatibility syndrome (SIIS)?
Silicone Implant Incompatibility Syndrome (SIIS) is a term used to describe a collection of symptoms experienced by some individuals who have silicone breast implants. These symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include fatigue, joint pain, cognitive dysfunction, and immune system abnormalities.
Symptoms of SIIS
One of the challenges in diagnosing SIIS is the wide array of symptoms that patients may present with. These symptoms can mimic those of autoimmune disorders, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact cause. Common symptoms associated with SIIS include:
- Fatigue: Persistent and unexplained fatigue is a hallmark symptom of SIIS. Patients often report feeling exhausted despite getting adequate rest, impacting their daily activities and quality of life.
- Joint Pain: Many individuals with silicone implants experience joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. This can significantly impair mobility and lead to discomfort and decreased range of motion.
- Cognitive Dysfunction: SIIS can manifest as cognitive difficulties such as brain fog, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating. These cognitive impairments can interfere with work, relationships, and overall mental well-being.
- Immune System Abnormalities: Some patients with SIIS may exhibit abnormalities in their immune system, leading to frequent infections, allergies, and other immune-related issues.
- ASIA (Shoenfeld’s syndrome): SIIS has been identified as a frequent cause of ASIA (autoimmune/autoinflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants). ASIA is characterized by the development of autoimmune or autoinflammatory conditions following exposure to various adjuvants, including silicone. The inflammatory response triggered by silicone implants can contribute to or worsen autoimmune disorders.
Potential causes of SIIS
While the exact cause of SIIS remains unclear, several theories have been proposed. One hypothesis suggests that certain individuals may have a heightened sensitivity or intolerance to silicone, leading to an inflammatory response in the body. Additionally, the presence of silicone implants may trigger immune system dysregulation in some individuals, resulting in the onset of symptoms associated with SIIS.
Diagnosis and treatment for SIIS
Diagnosing SIIS can be challenging due to its nonspecific symptoms and the lack of standardized diagnostic criteria. However, healthcare providers may conduct a thorough medical history review, physical examination, and laboratory tests to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms. If a patient’s symptoms can’t be linked to any other cause, there’s a strong chance that they’re linked to silicone implants.
Treatment for SIIS often involves removing the silicone implants and total capsulectomy, which can significantly improve symptoms for many patients. Dr. Shaher Khan and the team at Executive Plastic Surgery specialize in breast implant removal procedures and are dedicated to helping patients achieve relief from SIIS symptoms. Dr. Khan removes breast implants along with the capsule to minimize the risk of complications.
Contact Dr. Khan if you have the symptoms of SIIS
Silicone Implant Incompatibility Syndrome (SIIS) is a complex condition that can cause a range of symptoms in individuals with silicone breast implants. If you’re experiencing symptoms associated with SIIS, please seek prompt evaluation and treatment from a qualified plastic surgeon like Dr. Khan, who specializes in breast implant removal procedures.
