Breast Implant Illness: A Patient's Guide
Are you considering breast augmentation surgery, but are concerned about the potential risks and complications? Breast implant illness (BII) is a rare but serious condition that can affect women who have received breast implants. In this blog post, we will provide an overview of BII and offer tips on how to protect yourself as a patient.
What is Breast Implant Illness?
Breast implant illness is a term used to describe a range of symptoms that can occur in women with breast implants. These symptoms can include fatigue, muscle and joint pain, cognitive difficulties, and skin issues. The cause of BII is not fully understood, and it is not recognized as a medical diagnosis by the majority of mainstream medical professionals.
Symptoms of Breast Implant Illness
Symptoms of BII can vary from person to person, and may include:
Chronic fatigue
Musculoskeletal pain (including pain in the joints and muscles)
Cognitive difficulties (such as memory loss and difficulty concentrating)
Skin issues (such as rashes and dryness)
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Hormone imbalances
It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other factors, and it is not always clear whether they are related to breast implants or not.
Risk Factors for Breast Implant Illness
There are several factors that may increase the risk of developing BII. These include:
Type of implant: Some studies have suggested that women with silicone implants may be more likely to develop BII compared to those with saline implants.
Location of the implant: Women with implants placed under the muscle (submuscular placement) may have a higher risk of BII compared to those with implants placed over the muscle (subglandular placement).
Length of time the implant has been in place: The longer a woman has had breast implants, the higher her risk of developing BII may be.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Breast Implant Illness
There is no specific test to diagnose BII, and it is often difficult to determine whether symptoms are related to breast implants or not. If you are experiencing symptoms that you think may be related to your breast implants, it is important to speak with a qualified healthcare provider. Your provider can help you determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment options.
In some cases, the treatment for BII may involve removing the breast implants and allowing the body to heal. This can often lead to significant improvement in symptoms. It is important to note that removing breast implants is a major surgery and carries its own risks and complications.
Protecting Yourself as a Patient
If you are considering breast augmentation surgery, it is important to be aware of the potential risks and complications. Be sure to discuss any concerns you have with your surgeon, and make sure to follow their pre- and post-operative instructions to reduce the risk of complications.
It is also important to choose a qualified, experienced surgeon for your procedure. Dr. Emily Borsting is a world-class plastic surgeon in Bend, Oregon who can provide a consultation and help you decide if breast augmentation surgery is right for you.
If you are experiencing symptoms that you think may be related to your breast implants, it is important to seek medical attention. A qualified healthcare provider can help you determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment options.
Remember, breast implant illness is rare, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks and complications of breast augmentation surgery
