Breast Implant Illness

One concern of breast augmentation surgery is breast implant illness.

Breast implant illness (BII) is a term that covers a range of symptoms that patients may experience after undergoing breast augmentation surgery. These symptoms total over 100. While the exact cause of BII is not yet known, it is believed to be related to an inflammatory reaction to the implants or an autoimmune response.

Some of the most common breast implant illness symptoms include:

• Chronic fatigue
• Joint and muscle pain
• Memory and concentration issues
• Skin rashes
• Headaches
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Hair loss
• Depression and anxiety

It is important to note that these symptoms, which can develop shortly after surgery or even years later, can also be associated with other health conditions, making it challenging to diagnose BII. In some cases, the cause is associated with an underlying condition.

Proper diagnosis involves the assistance of rheumatology, endocrinology, dermatology, and neurology specialists.

How common is breast implant illness?

There are no solid statistics available at this time because of how difficult it is to assess patients properly.

In addition, patients who experience BII symptoms may be able to alleviate symptoms without removing their breast implants. 

When considering breast augmentation risks, it is natural to ask, "Is breast augmentation dangerous?" While modern breast implants are generally regarded as safe, no surgical procedure is without risks. Signs of breast implant problems include infection, capsular contracture (scar tissue hardening around the implant), and implant rupture.

So, how dangerous is breast augmentation surgery? The risks are relatively low, specifically when performed by an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Atul Kesarwani. However, patients should still weigh the potential benefits against the risks before deciding to undergo the procedure.

Another common question is, "Can the body reject breast implants?" While rejection is not technically possible since breast implants are not living tissue, the body can develop an immune response that leads to complications such as capsular contracture.

When asking, "What are the risks of breast implants?" and "How risky is breast augmentation?" make sure to consider both short-term and long-term complications. Short-term risks include bleeding, infection, and anesthesia-related complications. Long-term risks may consist of implant rupture, capsular contracture, and the development of BII.

So, are breast augmentations dangerous? The majority of patients do not experience severe complications. However, it is still crucial to be aware of the potential risks. By understanding the signs of breast implant problems and the potential for developing breast implant illness, patients are better able to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.