Could my saline implants be causing my headaches, fatigue, depression and mood swings?

Question

I had breast augmentation with saline implants in 2003 and I have been experiencing headaches, fatigue, depression and mood swings for years and it was just brought to my attention that the implants may be the cause

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your questions.  The symptoms you have listed are not typical symptoms caused from implants.  With that being said you could always choose to have your implants removed and see what happens with your symptoms.  Best of luck to you.

Wayne I. Yamahata, MD · Answer

The symptoms you describe are not known side effects or complications associated with saline implants. Although you could have your implants removed, it is unlikely this would improve your condition. I would therefore suggest that you first search for other causes for your symptoms and only consider explantation if no other source can be identified.

Ankur Mehta, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question! Breast implants have undergone many studies for a very long time now. It so far has not been shown that breast implantation with either saline or silicone implants can lead to these symptoms. If you believe the implants are causing your symptoms than the only option at this point is to have them completely removed and see if that makes you feel "better." Regardless of if you choose to have them removed or to keep them you should undergo a thorough medical evaluation. I hope this helps and wish you the best of luck!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Implants that have been in for a long time are not the likely source for all of these manifestations.  However, the implants can always be removed if other sources are ruled out.  Kenneth Hughes, MD, ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Los Angeles, CA

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear mlsmith718,I understand your concern. However, without a proper assessment it would be difficult to determine what is wrong. It is best that you visit your plastic surgeon for further assessment. Only after thorough examination you can get proper recommendations and advice.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

mlsmith718. I appreciate your concern, however there is no research suggesting breast implants causing symptoms that you are describing. I believe it would be helpful if you consulted with a mental health professional to discuss these issues. Good luck.

Joseph Mele, MD · Answer

An in person examination would help to answer your question. If you have very large implants which are causing neck, back and shoulder pain, this could lead to muscle tension headaches and interference with sleep which could then cause your symptoms. On the other hand, your symptoms are not specific, and can be caused by any number of things. Be sure to get checked out by your doctor, and see a board certified plastic surgeon in your area for advise.

Johnny Chung, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Breast implants have been studied for many years. Currently there is very little  evidence that breast implants have any correlation to these symptoms. That being said there is on going studies that are looking into these claims. If you feel that your symptoms stem from your implants I would recommend having them removed to see if your symptoms are alleviated. I recommend speaking to your PS about this for more information.

Curtis Wong, MD · Answer

are not likely but no one can say for sure if there is a relationship.  But if you are convinced your implants are involved, you can always have them removed.  Saline implants, if filled without a closed system using IV tubing, have been known to grow stuff inside the implant itself.  But this is rare and the only way to find out is to have them removed.  If you're 'done' with them and have not real attachment to them anymore, you can have them removed.  This can be done in the office under local and I do this routinely as a service to women who no longer want their implants for very nominal fees.

Sofia Santareno, MD · Answer

There's not a scientific explanation for that.... Even so, yo may consider advisement with your plastic surgeon.

Could my saline implants be causing my headaches, fatigue, depression and mood swings?

Answers (12)

More Breast Augmentation Questions

Hit in chest after breast augmentation. Could it have caused a rupture?

How would I achieve a full C with ski slope/anatomical shape? (Photo)

Can I use electric stimulation to promote nerve regeneration after Breast Augmentation?

Are my under the breast inframammary incisions too low? (Photo)

Is it normal that every time I lift or flex my pectoral muscle my breast implants move?

Why is 1 implant stuck high? What happens next? Can this be fixed without surgery? (photo)

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS