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.