Breast Implant Illness (BII) is a serious condition that affects individuals with breast implants, and it can lead to a wide range of debilitating symptoms. If you have breast implants and are experiencing unexplained chronic fatigue, cognitive issues, muscle and joint pain, or autoimmune reactions, you should consider the possibility of BII.
The symptoms of BII are so wide-ranging and non-specific that women often suffer for years before realizing that they’re being poisoned by their breast implants. In this article, we describe the common symptoms of BII, how they can be evaluated, whether there’s a specific test to determine if you have BII, and how you can overcome this problem.
What is Breast Implant Illness?
Breast Implant Illness is a serious and underrecognized condition where individuals with breast implants experience a myriad of symptoms. These can significantly impact your quality of life and often go undiagnosed due to their broad nature. Symptoms include chronic fatigue, cognitive dysfunction (often described as “brain fog”), muscle and joint pain, skin rashes, hair loss, anxiety, depression, and autoimmune reactions.
Breast Implant Illness (BII) is believed to result from the body’s immune response to breast implants. The exact cause of BII remains unclear, but it may involve factors like chronic inflammation, bacterial contamination, silicone leakage, or the body’s reaction to foreign materials. These factors can trigger systemic symptoms that affect various organs and systems, leading to the wide range of symptoms associated with BII.
Symptoms of Breast Implant Illness
The symptoms of BII are extensive and can affect various systems in your body. Some of the most commonly reported symptoms include:
- Chronic fatigue and exhaustion
- Joint and muscle pain
- Cognitive difficulties, often referred to as “brain fog”
- Autoimmune issues, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
- Unexplained rashes and skin problems
- Hair loss
- Dry mouth and eyes
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Anxiety and depression
- Sleep disturbances
- Hormonal imbalances
- Swollen or tender lymph nodes
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- Persistent flu-like symptoms
- Temperature intolerance (feeling hot or cold)
- Weight fluctuations
- Heart palpitations
- Headaches and migraines
- Vertigo or dizziness
- Numbness or tingling in extremities
- Changes in vision or eye problems
- Persistent cough
- Muscle weakness
- Unexplained bruising
- Frequent infections
- Cognitive impairment
- Allergies or sensitivities to foods, chemicals, and odors
These symptoms can manifest at any time after receiving breast implants, from a few months to several years later. Because they overlap with many other conditions, diagnosing BII can be challenging without considering the presence of implants.
Is There a Test for Breast Implant Illness?
Currently, there is no single test that can definitively diagnose Breast Implant Illness. Since the symptoms of BII are nonspecific and can mimic other autoimmune or systemic diseases, it’s difficult to pinpoint implants as the root cause. Instead, diagnosis often relies on a combination of evaluating patient history, assessing symptoms, and the process of elimination to rule out other potential causes. Here are some tests that might be part of the diagnostic process.
Comprehensive Medical Evaluation
The first step in determining if you have BII is a comprehensive medical evaluation. This involves a detailed review of your medical history, including your symptoms and any previous diagnoses. Dr. Khan and other specialists will look for patterns and correlations between your symptoms and the presence of breast implants. This helps rule out other potential causes and focuses on your specific situation.
Self-Reporting Symptoms
If you experience a range of nonspecific symptoms that you can’t attribute to other conditions, you must maintain a detailed journal of your symptoms, including their onset, frequency, and severity. This can help healthcare providers identify patterns and make informed decisions about your care. Dr. Khan and other breast implant removal experts can evaluate these symptoms to determine the likelihood of BII and curate a personalized treatment plan for you.
Laboratory Tests
While there is no specific test for BII, a series of laboratory tests can help rule out other conditions and identify potential underlying issues. These tests may include:
- Blood tests: To check for inflammation markers and autoimmune activity.
- Hormone levels: To assess endocrine function and identify imbalances.
- Tests for infections: To rule out infections that could be contributing to your symptoms.
- Imaging studies: To evaluate the condition of the implants and surrounding tissues.
Implant Removal and Symptom Monitoring
The most reliable approach to diagnosing BII is the removal of breast implants, known as explantation. Many patients report significant improvement or resolution of their symptoms after implant removal, which strongly indicates that the symptoms are linked to the implants. Dr. Khan is a strong advocate for breast implant removals to help women overcome the symptoms of BII and reclaim a healthy and comfortable life again.
Treatment Options for Breast Implant Illness
If you are diagnosed with BII or suspect that your symptoms are related to your breast implants, implant removal is the most reliable (and only) solution. Many patients report a significant reduction or complete resolution of symptoms after explantation. This procedure involves not only removing the implants but also any surrounding scar tissue (capsulectomy) to minimize the risk of leaving behind potential irritants. Dr. Khan specializes in implant removal to help women free themselves from the symptoms of BII.
In addition to explantation, managing the symptoms of BII may involve a combination of treatments, including medications to address pain and inflammation, nutritional support, and lifestyle changes to reduce stress and improve overall health. Dr. Khan works closely with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs. This holistic approach ensures you receive comprehensive care tailored to your unique situation.
Explore Your Breast Implant Removal Options
There is no single test to definitively diagnose breast implant illness, but medical evaluation, laboratory tests, and self-reporting can help identify this condition. If you are experiencing symptoms that you believe may be related to your breast implants, it is essential to consult with a specialist like Dr. Shaher Khan at Executive Plastic Surgery. He will carefully review your symptoms and recommend the most effective ways to help you reclaim optimal wellness.
