Breast Implant Illness- how common in your practice?

there is controversy as to whether breast implant illness exists. I am not suggesting that it does not exist as anecdotally there are women who will tell you that they find relief from autoimmune type symptomology when removing their silicone gel implants. However the numbers are extremely low. Multiple studies over decades have failed to show an increase in symptoms in women with silicone gel implants consistent with breast implant illness when compared to women without gel implants who seem to develop these symptoms in the same number. This does not prove that silicone gel implant illness does not exist although does suggest that if it does exist, the risk would be quite low. After 30 years of breast augmentation surgery, I have seen about 3 to 5 women who are sure that they have it. Do remember that these are generalized symptoms and can occur from a host of other reasons. In women who do not have breast implants but do have these symptoms, only about half of the time are we able to determine the nature and originof the symptoms.

Hello,

Thank you for the question.

In my practice, I see very low pecentage of patients with BII symptoms following breast implant surgery, I would say less than 5%.

The term BII is used to describe a variety of systemic symptoms which may be reported by some women following reconstruction or augmentation with breast implants. These symptoms may include fatigue, problems with memory or concentration (“brain fog”), joint and muscle pain, hair loss, weight changes and anxiety/depression.

Although some women report improvement or resolution of symptoms following removal of the implants, the cause of the symptoms and the degree to which they may be related to the implants are unclear at the current time. Research continues to be performed to better understand any potential association with breast implants.

I hope this helps.
Best regards, Dr. Karanetz

Dr. Irena Karanetz
Breast Fellowship-Trained
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

What is the experience of your surgeon? Discussion of all the risks with your surgeon may help you decide whether or not this surgery is for you. Dr. Ted Eisenberg, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and Author. RealSelf Distinguished Hall of Fame Inductee. Philadelphia, Pa., USA