Breast Implant Illness & Explant Surgery
Breast Implant Illness
Explant Surgery
Cause and Treatment
*BreastCancer.org Website
Breast implant illness (BII) is a term that some women and doctors use to refer to a wide range of symptoms that can develop after undergoing reconstruction or cosmetic augmentation with breast implants. It is also sometimes referred to as autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA). BII can occur with any type of breast implant, including silicone gel-filled, saline-filled, smooth surface, textured surface, round, or teardrop-shaped.
BII impacts each individual in a unique way. Symptoms can include:
· joint and muscle pain
· chronic fatigue
· memory and concentration problems
· breathing problems
· sleep disturbance
· rashes and skin problems
· dry mouth and dry eyes
· anxiety
· depression
· headaches
· hair loss
· gastrointestinal problems
The symptoms can appear any time after implant surgery — some people develop 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. Some people who have BII also get diagnosed with a specific autoimmune or connective tissue disorder, but many do not.