Breast implants have helped millions of women feel more confident in their bodies. But like any medical device, they’re not without risks. If you’ve noticed changes in your health since getting breast implants, you might be experiencing breast implant illness (BII), a collection of symptoms that can affect your overall well-being. Maybe you’ve been feeling more tired than usual, struggling with brain fog or dealing with aches and pains that seem to have no clear cause.
Unfortunately, many women with BII are dismissed by providers who can’t find an obvious reason for their symptoms. At Hakimi Plastic Surgery, Dr. Hakimi believes in listening to his patients and taking their concerns seriously. Your symptoms matter, and understanding what might be causing them is the first step toward feeling better.
What Is Breast Implant Illness?
Breast implant illness, commonly called BII, isn’t a formal diagnosis you’ll find in a medical textbook. It’s a term that describes a collection of symptoms some women experience after breast augmentation. These symptoms can develop months or even years after surgery, and they often affect multiple body systems at once.
BII gained attention through patient advocacy and social media, where women began connecting health issues to their breast implants. While the medical community initially met these reports with skepticism, attitudes are shifting. The FDA now acknowledges BII as a potential risk of breast implants, and more plastic surgeons are taking patient concerns seriously.
BII doesn’t affect everyone with implants. Some women live with their implants for decades without issues, while others develop symptoms relatively quickly. Researchers are still working to understand why some people are more susceptible than others, but individual immune system responses likely play a major role.
How Do I Know If I Have Breast Implant Illness?
There’s no blood test or scan that can definitively diagnose BII, but if you’ve developed unexplained symptoms since getting breast implants, it could be a factor.
One key indicator of BII is the pattern of your symptoms. BII typically involves multiple, seemingly unrelated health issues rather than a single problem. You might notice fatigue alongside joint pain, or brain fog combined with digestive issues. These combinations often leave both patients and doctors scratching their heads.
Another important factor is how you’ve been feeling overall since getting your implants. Have you noticed a gradual decline in energy or well-being that you can’t quite explain? Do you find yourself struggling with health issues that started after your surgery? While correlation doesn’t always mean causation, these patterns are worth discussing with your doctor.
BII Symptom Checklist
Many women with BII are dismissed by their doctors. Their symptoms are nonspecific and often can’t be directly tied to one cause. That doesn’t mean they aren’t real. Breast implant illness has been linked to a number of symptoms throughout the body, including:
Physical Symptoms
- Joint pain
- Muscle loss
- Skin changes, including rashes
- Excessive throat clearing
- Heart palpitations
- Headaches
- Shortness of breath
Cognitive Symptoms
- Brain fog
- Fatigue
- Vertigo
- Mood swings
- Tinnitus
- Vision changes
- Insomnia
Systemic Symptoms
- Weight changes
- New food sensitivities
- Night sweats
- Digestive issues
- Low libido
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Hormonal imbalances
What Causes Breast Implant Illness?
Researchers aren’t really sure what causes BII in some women, but there are a few leading theories. The first is biofilms, or colonies of bacteria that adhere to the surface of a breast implant. These biofilms aren’t considered an active infection but may trigger chronic inflammation. Another theory is an allergic response to traces of heavy metals that may be found in implant shells. However, the Aesthetic Surgery Education and Research Foundation (ASERF) has detected heavy metals in less than 10% of implant removal cases.
Another leading theory is the development of autoimmune syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA), a rare (and recognized) condition that may be triggered by substances (adjuvants) designed to enhance immune responses. Common adjuvants include mineral salts and emulsions found in vaccines, but the silicone used in breast implants can also act as an adjuvant. Some experts consider ASIA to be a more precise term for describing the symptoms some women experience after breast augmentation.
How Is BII Treated?
Many women who struggle with BII find significant relief after explantation surgery. While every person’s experience is different, studies suggest that 50% to 80% of women report improvement in their symptoms within months of having their breast implants removed.
Explantation involves surgically removing both the implant and, in many cases, the surrounding scar tissue (called the capsule). Dr. Hakimi approaches explantation with the same precision and care as any breast procedure. The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes about two hours. Many patients choose to have a breast lift performed at the same time to restore a more youthful breast shape, though this isn’t necessary for symptom relief.
Recovery from explantation is generally easier than the original augmentation surgery. Most women return to light activities within a few days and normal routines within two weeks. The timeline for symptom improvement varies. Some women notice changes within weeks, while others may take several months to experience the full benefits.
Taking Control of Your Health Journey
You know your body better than anyone. If you’ve been struggling with unexplained symptoms since getting breast implants, trust your instincts. The medical community is still catching up to what many women have known for years: that breast implants can trigger systemic issues in some people.
At Hakimi Plastic Surgery, we believe in listening to our patients. Dr. Hakimi has seen firsthand how breast implant removal can help women feel like themselves again. His approach is thorough, compassionate, and focused on helping you make the best decision for your health.
If you’re considering having your breast implants removed, come prepared to discuss the following during your consultation:
- What type of implants do you have, and how long have you had them?
- Which symptoms are most concerning to you?
- Are you interested in combining explantation with other procedures like a breast lift?
- What are your goals for breast appearance after explantation?
Choosing to have your implants removed doesn’t mean your original decision to undergo breast augmentation was wrong. What worked for you years ago might not be working now. That’s completely normal, and there’s no shame in prioritizing your health and well-being!
Find Relief from BII at Hakimi Plastic Surgery
You don’t have to live with unexplained symptoms or feel dismissed by the medical community. If you suspect your breast implants might be affecting your health, Dr. Hakimi is here to listen and help you explore your options. Call his Beverly Hills office at 424-239-5201 or book online to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward relief from BII.