3 months p/o breast implants causing illness?

Question

I received silicone implants three months ago. Developed capsular contraction no new surgery. Since have had foggy brain, dizziness, nausea, headaches, heart palpitations, among other symptoms. After a seven day hospital stay I have received multiple diagnoses that I never had before and I'm only 29 one of which is adrenal insufficiency. Can implants be playing a role in all of this? I have a child and want my life back prior to surgery and the symptoms...any advice or input appreciated!

Matthew H. Steele, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  I am sorry to hear about all of your symptoms.  Breast implants can cause local issues such as capsule contracture, breast sagging, etc., but there is no medical evidence in the literature that they cause any systemic disease.  Unfortunately, due to poor reporting by Connie Chung in the early 1990's, there is still widespread misconception regarding implant safety.  There have been many studies with thousands and thousands of women showing that implants are safe and do not cause illness like lupus, arthritis, and others.  Best to follow up with your internal medicine experts for optimal advice.   Good luck.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Removal of breast implants, intact or ruptured, may have positive implications if patients are symptomatic. A constellation of symptoms associated with breast implant illness, and autoimmune disease are considered when treating patients who have breast implants and are concerned about foreign body reaction. In our office, we begin this journey with a consideration of symptoms and exclusion of obvious autoimmune problems. In many of our patients, en bloc removal of breast implants with capsulectomy is important and beneficial. Further clinical evidence about breast implant illness is evolving and will continue to guide treatment. I would suggest removal if there is a possibility of foreign body reaction.

Best, 
Dr. Karamanoukian
Realself100 Surgeon

3 months p/o breast implants causing illness?

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3 months p/o breast implants causing illness?

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Everything you need to know about Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.