Experiencing anxiety, panic attacks and nausea - do I have breast implant illness from implant rupture?

Question

I just learned I have an implant rupture on the side of my left breast and under my arm pit axillary in my lymph nodes and I have been having symptoms since the end of June which are anxiety, panic attacks and nausea. I am scheduled to take implants out February 1st. Am I experiencing breast illness from this rupture? Pleas I am desperate for answers. I had my blood drawn I am completely healthy. I have an MRI in a phew days. I am so scared and riddled with anxiety please does anyone know why.

Alan Gonzalez, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi @Beccabeans, thank you for your question. The best thing for your health is to remove the implants as soon as possible. I have been performing breast implant removals for suspected Asiatic Syndrome (BII) for 4 years now, previously it was for giant cell lymphoma. I can attest that Asia syndrome is associated with implants, it is what we call a young disease (it is an autoimmune, auto inflammatory disease first diagnosed 10 years ago), but it does not occur in all patients with implants. The statistics show that one out of 100 patients can present the Asia syndrome. Not all patients develop it, 99% of patients do not have it. Even if the prosthesis is saline, it must undergo a complete capsulectomy to avoid future inflammations. The prosthesis can be removed, but the key is that the complete capsulectomy is performed by the specialist. I link you a video to shed more light, best regards!

Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), Member of the International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science" (IFATS), Member of the Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery (SCCP).

Alan Gonzalez MD, FACS. Member of the American Society of Plastic Surgery (ASPS), Member of the International Federation for Adipose Therapeutics and Science" (IFATS), Member of the Colombian Society of Plastic Surgery (SCCP).

Irena Karanetz, MD · Answer

Hello, 
And thank you for the question.
In patients with known breast implant rupture, the recommendation is to remove the breast implant with or without replacement depending on the patient preference.
Breast implant illness (BII) is a term that is used to describe a wide range of symptoms that can develop after undergoing reconstruction or cosmetic augmentation with breast implants. They include, but are not limited to, 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. 
Currently, however, BII is not recognized as a formal medical diagnosis and there are no specific tests or recognized criteria to define or characterize it.
I hope this helps. Good luck with your upcoming procedure.
Best, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

I think you are anxious because you are overthinking this and stewing. Implants since 2007 are not liquid and the gel does not travel. Please relax and your surgeon will take good care of you.  There a several lymph nodes that normally live in the axilla and they increase and decrease in size as they do their job.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

Breast Implant Illness is a condition that is not well defined.  There is no specific test for it.  As you have a ruptured implant it is best to have it removed.  If you suspect BII you may want to consider having both implants and the respective capsules removed.  I've included a video with information on BII that I hope you find helpful.

Experiencing anxiety, panic attacks and nausea - do I have breast implant illness from implant rupture?

Answers (4)

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