How common is breast implant illness and what can I do to prevent it?

we still  have questions to be answered about breast implant illness through good scientific studies. Anecdotal evidence has shown some women’s symptoms improve with removal of the implants. It’s very rare at this point and would not let it dissuade you from getting implants. I would advise you to consider a saline or structured saline(Ideal) implant

Thanks for the question -- this is something that has been getting a lot of press recently.  I'm sure many women are asking themselves the same question.So far there is no data that shows direct, causative correlation between any type of implants and symptoms that women are having.  That's the frustrating part.  There's no way to know for sure.There are scores of stories circulating on the internet about women who have had symptoms for years and then the symptoms get better once the implants are removed.  Unfortunately, no matter how many "stories" you read about on the internet individual stories do not equal scientific data.There is no evidence that silicone of any kind has toxins or anything that could create this "breast implant illness".  There is a new area of research that however may indicate that it may be possible to have symptoms associated with bacteria on the surface of the implant (but not caused by the implant itself).  No, the implant didn't come with the bacteria on it -- it is terminally sterilized when manufactured.  So where can the bacteria come from?  Your skin.There is no way to completely sterilize your skin.  Everything else in the operating room is sterile including the instruments, the surgeons' gloves, the drapes on your skin, etc.  I do everything possible to reduce and eliminate any chance that the implant touches my patients' skin for that reason.  The way I do that is by using the Keller funnel to insert the implant.  I also have my patients bathe with a special antimicrobial soap prior to surgery to reduce the amount of bacteria on their skin and I use antibiotics in their IV.  Everything I do in the operating room is designed to decrease the risk of contamination. If anyone thinks that their health symptoms are linked with their implants I encourage my patients to just remove the implant alone and NOT remove the scar tissue.  I have not seen any compelling research to indicate that removal of the capsule (the en bloc procedure) is any better than just removing the implant alone.

your question is a great one but unfortunately one for which we still have few if any answers. Many plastic surgeons will tell you it doesn’t exist but we really don’t know for sure.  Since it is of concern to you I would recommend saline implants.  They provide much better peace of mind and fewer problems and concerns in the long term.

Hello,You haven't seen any 'research' regarding breast implant illness, only misinformation that clogs the internet along with most things you can find there. True scientific studies have been conducted for decades involving millions of women showing that there is no association between silicone gel implants and any human disease. Best of luck!

Breast implants are approved for use in augmentation and reconstruction by the FDA. although it is accepted that there is an association between texture implants and anaplastic large cell lymphoma, breast implants have not been shown to cause autoimmune disorders or other systemic illnesses. However, "breast implant illness" has been used by some to describe a constellation of symptoms and signs thought to be caused by implants. 

Dear _chlowil,There have been numerous studies on the safety and efficacy of silicone breast implants. The FDA has approved them to be safe and breast augmentation is the most common cosmetic surgical procedure performed in the United States every year. Implants are much different than they used to be with rigorous testing and cohesive gel. I can't tell you how happy my breast augmentation patients have been with their implants.
I would recommend a consult with a plastic surgeon to go over all of your concerns. Saline implants are also a perfectly good option if you are still concerned and are less expensive.Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

_chlowil Hi There , Thank you for your Question There is not Proof that implants cause any symptoms or illness , if the Patient gets all the Labs and it is evaluated to go trough this procedure than it should not be any  problems at all , if you lie on your tests or to your doctor about some type of allergies than it is not our fault if you after your procedure have some type of illness , so be truthful with your Doctor and to your self , and everything will be good . good luck on your surgery . 

If you have any concern about breast implant then do not do it. It is not worth the worry, and every ache or symptom you have,  will wonder and worry. it would be a heartache to you and your plastic surgeon and your pocket.

I don't believe there is any such illness as breast implant illness. There is no proof that silicone gel causes any medical illness. However, most of my patients chose saline implants and then, there is no need to worry about silicone gel.

all the studies have shown no correlation between implants and symptoms associated with them, however there are some patients with rare symptoms that get better when the implants are removed, some doctors even promote this “disease” without any scientific evidence, you need to talk to your board certified surgeon in regards to your concerns