Breast implant illness. How serious is it?

Thank you for your question. In short, my answer is this....there is no such thing. This is an urban legend that is pushed by online message boards and blogs with questionable agendas and no scientific expertise. In the scientific literature and FDA investigations, there is absolutely no conclusive evidence that implants lead to any of the supposed illnesses often associated with them. Go forward with your surgeon and do not worry about this.Best of luck!

Breast implants are among the most tested of medical devices. No other medical device has been studied to the extent that breast implants have. Extensive studies of tens of thousands of women with breast implants have shown that both saline and silicone implants are safe and do not produce a higher rate of  autoimmune disease. After vigorous evaluation by the FDA, both are approved for cosmetic and reconstructive usage.

The majority of patients having breast augmentations are very pleased with their results. No one should enter into that procedure with the idea that the implants will last forever or that they may never need another breast surgery. There are a variety of reasons why a woman would have a secondary procedure: to alter the size of the implants as the patient ages and the size and shape of the breast naturally change, to correct the effects of pregnancy on the breasts, weight fluctuation, the implant can form a capsular contraction around it which produces a hardening, or the implant may leak. No one can guarantee the life cycle of an implant.

Robert Singer, MD FACS 

La Jolla, California

Thank you for your important question. At this time, there have been many studies published that show there is no cause and effect connection between silicone implants and autoimmune diseases. Regardless of what the research studies have shown, there are some women who feel that their implants have caused illness. In this situation, they may decide to have their implants removed. When considering an augmentation, make sure you find a board-certified plastic surgeon who will speak with you in detail about your goals and will help you decide whether an augmentation is right for you.