Are my implants causing health problems?

Breast implant illness (BII) is a collection of symptoms that may be related to breast implants. Though the exact cause isn't known, BII may be related to autoimmune or inflammatory responses. Common symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, brain fog and rash.

Can breast implants cause health issues?

Breast augmentation remains one of the most common and popular plastic surgery procedures performed in the U.S., and it has a low risk of complications – the most common being breast pain, changes in nipple and breast sensation, scar tissue formation, and rupture and deflation.

What problems can old breast implants cause?

There is a link between old breast implants and a cancer called breast implant-associated large cell lymphoma, or BIA-ALCL. BIA-ALCL develops in the scar tissue between the breasts and the implants. The longer the breast implants are in, the higher the risk of BIA-ALCL development.

What are the long term effects of breast implants?

Can breast implants trigger autoimmune disease?

Breast implant illness (BII) is a systemic complication associated with breast implants. Patients with BII may experience autoimmune symptoms including fatigue, difficulty concentrating, hair loss, weight change, and depression.

The Science Behind Breast Implant Illnesses | Laura Miles | TEDxUCO

How do I know if my breast implants are making me sick?

Breast implant illness (BII) is a collection of symptoms that occur in people with breast implants. There isn't an official medical diagnosis for BII. Symptoms may include fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, dry eyes and many other health concerns. Healthcare providers diagnose BII by ruling out other health conditions.

What are signs of breast implant illness?

Can breast implants cause problems years later?

BII symptoms can appear any time after implant surgery — some people start to develop breast implant illness symptoms immediately, while some develop them years later. A lot of the symptoms of BII are associated with autoimmune and connective tissue disorders, such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma.

When should breast implants be removed?

Breast implants don't last a lifetime. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends that people with breast implants have them removed or replaced every 10 to 15 years. However, your plastic surgeon may not recommend that you have them removed if you haven't had any complications.

How do you test for silicone poisoning?

Unfortunately, there is currently no diagnostic test specific to BII. That means doctors must use a process of elimination to see if BII is a possibility. Diagnostic testing for autoimmune diseases is the first step.

Will insurance pay for breast implant removal?

Unfortunately, most women who want their breast implants removed for medical reasons and want their health insurance to cover it, will be denied coverage. Health plans refuse to pay for breast “explant” surgery on the grounds that such treatment is “not medically necessary,” or is limited by plan terms.

Can breast implants affect your immune system?

As the silicone spreads throughout the body, they trigger inflammatory syndrome and autoimmune responses (1). This is correlated with a higher rate of allergies, autoimmune disorders, lymphomas and immune deficiencies in women with silicone breast implants (1).

What happens if silicone leaks in your body?

Answer From Sandhya Pruthi, M.D. Ruptured silicone breast implants can cause breast pain or changes in the contour or shape of the breast. However, ruptured silicone breast implants aren't thought to cause breast cancer, reproductive problems or connective tissue disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

What happens when breast implants are removed and not replaced?

They can rupture or leak, and saline implants may deflate. Capsular contracture may also occur, which is shrinkage of natural scar tissue that your body produces around any implanted medical device.

What happens to breast implants after 20 years?

So, the older your implants are, the greater your risk of rupture or other complications. In many cases, breast implants can remain in good shape for 20 years or more. Every patient is different, and the life of your implants will depend on your body and how you take care of your implants.

What percentage of breast implants cause illness?

Previously reported prevalence rates of BII-like symptoms include postoperative rheumatic symptoms in 37.4% of cases,²¹ the development of a pattern of systemic complaints in more than 65% cases,²² and 3 or more BII symptoms in 38.5% to 84.7% of women with breast implants.

How painful is breast implant removal?

How Painful Is Breast Implant Removal? Breast implant removal is typically performed while you are fully asleep under general anesthesia, so you should not feel a thing during the actual surgery. During recovery, however, it is normal to feel some soreness and discomfort for about a week.

Is removing breast implants a major surgery?

As we mentioned, breast implant removal is a major surgery. As such, you'll likely have to be put under either a local or general anesthesia. With anesthesia, there come potential complications. Such complications may include pain, nausea, vomiting, backache, headache, and damage to your teeth.

Do breasts go back to normal after implant removal?

In some cases, the breasts will just regain their initial size and shape. However, in most cases, breast explant surgery might leave patients' breasts sagging due to the impact of aging and the stretching caused by the implants.

How common is implant illness?

Of the 182 respondents, 97% report that implants negatively affect their health and 95% identify these symptoms with breast implant illness. Ninety-six percent of respondents had implants placed for cosmetic reasons and 51% had silicone implants.

What are the safest breast implants 2022?

Which breast implants are the safest? Both saline and silicone breast implants are considered to be safe. Both types have silicone shells; the choice between the fill type is a personal one.

Can a leaking implant make you sick?

Leaking implants or infections can lead to chronic fatigue or other conditions that can impair day-to-day life and cause issues working out or socializing. Some people have even mentioned trouble breathing and muscle cramps as side-effects of their implants.

Can leaking silicone breast implants make you sick?

Silicone contains carcinogens and toxins that can wreak havoc in the body. For example, it may cause connective tissue diseases, inflammation and symptoms of breast implant illness. Women have reported a variety of symptoms, including sinus problems, allergies and dizziness, caused by a leaking silicone implant.

Can breast implants cause neurological problems?

The authors emphasize the statistically increased risk of neurological disorders for patients with silicone breast implants.