You’re not imagining it—your breast implants may be making you sick
You had breast augmentation years ago, but lately, something doesn’t feel right. You’ve been experiencing mysterious fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, and even chest discomfort. Your doctor says everything looks fine, but deep down, you know your body is telling you something. These might be more than just stress or aging — they could be linked to your breast implants.
At Executive Plastic Surgery in Bloomfield Township, Dr. Shaher Khan — a double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and breast implant illness (BII) specialist — has helped countless women reclaim their health through safe, complete explant procedures. He’s a firm advocate for patient education and is widely known as the king of explants. In this article, we uncover the real health risks associated with breast implants, both silicone and saline.
Breast Implant Illness (BII)
One of the most significant dangers associated with breast implants is what is commonly referred to as Breast Implant Illness (BII). This condition is not a single disease but a collection of symptoms that can affect various systems in the body. Women with BII often report a wide range of symptoms—chronic fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, hair loss, and autoimmune diseases.
The cause of BII is still being studied, but many patients link their symptoms directly to the presence of implants. Silicone implants are often linked to BII because they can rupture silently, allowing the silicone gel to leak into the surrounding tissue. However, even saline implants are encased in a silicone shell, which can also, over time, trigger autoimmune reactions.
You may be suffering from BII if you identify with these statements:
- You experience chronic fatigue or feel tired all the time
- You have unexplained joint pain or muscle aches
- You notice hair loss or thinning of your hair
- You feel brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- You experience headaches that were not present before your surgery
- You suffer from memory problems or forgetfulness
- You notice an increase in anxiety or depression
- You develop new allergies or sensitivities to foods or environmental factors
- You experience unexplained rashes, skin irritation, or other skin issues
- You notice swelling or changes in your breast tissue or surrounding areas
- You experience digestive issues like bloating or nausea
- You feel a general sense of unwellness that cannot be linked to any other cause
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to consult with a specialist like Dr. Khan, who can help evaluate your condition and discuss options like implant removal.
Capsular contracture
Capsular contracture occurs when scar tissue forms around the implant and tightens over time, leading to pain, changes in shape, or a hard feeling in the breast. This is a complication after breast implant surgery and can happen with both saline and silicone implants. In some cases, the tissue surrounding the implant may squeeze the implant, distorting its shape, causing discomfort, or even making it feel hard or misshapen.
Capsular contracture can:
- Cause intense pain or discomfort
- Distort the shape of the breast
- Lead to implant rupture or displacement
This condition can develop months or even years after the original surgery. For women seeking a breast explant, Dr. Khan’s total or en bloc capsulectomy procedures remove this hardened capsule to alleviate pain and restore natural chest contours.
Rupture and deflation of implants
Breast implants are not lifetime devices, and over time, they are susceptible to damage. Both saline and silicone implants are at risk of rupture, though the symptoms can differ.
- Saline implants: If a saline implant ruptures, it typically deflates, leading to an immediate and noticeable change in breast size. The body absorbs the saline solution. However, the volume loss can be distressing, and corrective surgery is often required.
- Silicone implants: Silicone implants are at risk of a “silent rupture,” meaning the implant may tear without any noticeable symptoms. The silicone gel inside may leak into the surrounding tissue without you realizing it, often leading to more serious complications.
Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)
One of the more alarming risks of breast implants is the association with a rare form of cancer called Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). This cancer is not of the breast tissue itself but of the immune system and typically develops in the scar tissue or fluid surrounding the implant.
The FDA has reported a higher incidence of the disease in patients with textured surface implants than smooth ones, but it can occur with any implant. If you have breast implants and experience any swelling, pain, or lumps near your implants, it’s important to consult with your surgeon immediately. Dr. Khan and his team are well-versed in the risks of BIA-ALCL and can provide expert advice and guidance on monitoring your implants for signs of this serious condition or removing the implant to help prevent BIA-ALCL.
Infection and other complications
Infections are a common complication after breast implant surgery. The presence of foreign materials like implants increases the risk of infection, which can lead to further complications such as abscesses, painful swelling, and potentially the need for implant removal. While infections can occur shortly after surgery, they may also arise years later, especially if the implant ruptures or if there is a buildup of bacteria around the implant.
In addition to infections, other complications that may arise from breast implants include changes in nipple sensitivity, scarring, and complications related to anesthesia. Infections and other complications often require surgical intervention.
Remove your implant to avoid complications
The dangers of breast implants, whether silicone or saline, are significant and should not be taken lightly. At Executive Plastic Surgery, Dr. Khan ensures you understand the risks before undergoing any procedure and firmly stands against breast implants because the benefits do not remotely justify the considerable risks (many of which are still not completely understood).
If you are experiencing symptoms like those mentioned in this article, or if you’re concerned about the long-term risks of implants, Dr. Khan can help you explore your explant options. Dr. Khan specializes in the safe removal of breast implants using his unique “Khan Procedure” to offer patients relief from complications like BII, capsular contracture, and more.
At Executive Plastic Surgery, we ensure your health and well-being come first, and our QUAD A-accredited facility provides the highest standards of care. If you’re experiencing complications from implants, schedule a consultation with Dr. Khan to explore your options.
