10 Symptoms of Breast Implant Illness

Breast implant illness (BII) is a term used to describe a range of symptoms women with breast implants have reported. While the exact causes of BII are still being studied and debated, the symptoms are real and can impact a woman’s quality of life. In this article from Executive Plastic Surgery, we will explore 10 significant symptoms of breast implant illness:

1. Chronic fatigue: Many women with BII report feeling tired and lacking energy, even after getting adequate sleep.
2. Brain fog: This can include forgetfulness, difficulty concentrating, and a general feeling of confusion.
3. Joint and muscle pain: This can include pain in the joints, muscles, and bones.
4. Hair loss: Some women with BII report experiencing thinning hair or hair loss.
5. Rashes and skin irritation: Some women experience skin rashes or irritation near the implant site.
6. Nausea and digestive issues: Some women with BII report experiencing digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, and diarrhea.
7. Autoimmune symptoms: Some women with BII report experiencing autoimmune symptoms such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or scleroderma.
8. Anxiety and depression: Many women with BII report feeling anxious and depressed, even without a history of mental health issues.
9. Hormonal imbalances: Some women with BII report experiencing hormonal imbalances, such as menstrual irregularities, hot flashes, and night sweats.
10. Sleep disturbances: Some women with BII report experiencing sleep disturbances such as insomnia or sleep apnea.

Not all women with breast implants experience these symptoms, and other factors may also be the cause of them. However, if you have breast implants and are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to speak with your breast explant doctor to rule out BII or other underlying health issues.

BII Signs and Symptoms Checklist

Do I have the following signs & symptoms for breast implant illness? Patients who come to Dr. Khan with BII most often report one or more of these:

• Cognitive dysfunction (brain fog, difficulty concentrating, word retrieval, memory loss)
• Fatigue or chronic fatigue
• Muscle aches, pain, and weakness
• Joint pain and soreness
• Hair loss
• Dry skin, eyes, mouth, hair
• Weight gain or weight loss
• Easy bruising and slow healing of Wounds
• Temperature intolerance
• Low libido
• Common autoimmune symptoms or diagnoses: rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjörgen’s syndrome, Raynaud’s syndrome, Graves disease, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, scleroderma, multiple sclerosis, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn’s disease.
• Night sweats
• Skin rashes
• Insomnia
• Estrogen/progesterone imbalance, diminishing hormones, or early menopause
• Swollen and tender lymph nodes in the breast area, underarms, throat, neck, or groin
• Tingling or numbness in the arms and legs
• Burning pain around the chest wall or breasts
• Cold and discolored hands and feet
• Foul body odor
• Muscle twitching
• Vertigo
• Fevers
• Dehydration
• Frequent urination
• Chronic neck and back pain
• Photosensitivity
• Nail changes (cracking, splitting, slow growth, etc.)
• Skin freckling, pigmentation changes (darkening or white spots), or an increase in papules (flesh colored raised bumps)
• Edema (swelling) around eyes
• Premature aging
• Hypo/hyper adrenal symptoms
• Hypo/hyper thyroid symptoms
• Decline in vision or vision disturbances
• Slow muscle recovery after activity
• Liver and kidney dysfunction
• Gastrointestinal and digestive issues
• Sudden food intolerances and allergies
• Smell or chemical sensitivities
• New or persistent infections – viral, bacterial, and/or fungal (candida)
• Suicidal thoughts
• Shortness of breath or heart palpitations/ Difficulty breathing/ Chest pain
• Oral thrush (white tongue)
• Symptoms or diagnosis of fibromyalgia
• Feeling like you are dying
• Chronic inflammation
• Recurring sinus, yeast, and UTI infections
• Throat clearing, cough, difficult swallowing, choking feeling
• Headaches, dizziness, and migraines
• Anxiety, panic attacks
• Mood swings, emotional instability
• Depression
• Metallic taste in the mouth
• Symptoms or diagnosis of lyme
• Ringing in the ears

If you have any of these signs & symptoms of BII, please reach out to our office to schedule an appointment.

Breast implant illness is a real and serious condition that can impact a woman’s quality of life. If you have breast implants and are experiencing any of the above symptoms, it’s essential to speak with your doctor and seek a diagnosis. By understanding the signs of BII, women can make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

Book a consultation with Dr. Shaher Khan