Rosacea/eczema and breast implant illness

Systemic symptoms from breast implants, SSBI, formally BII, has no evidence of being anything more than psychosomatic in nature. Recent careful, systematic, prospective studies have shown that there is nothing in a breast implant that can accumulate in the body, or even in the scar capsule, which is why 'en bloc capsulectomies' are unnecessary. People simply 'get better' when their implants are taken out with no removal of scar capsules. FDA approval of silicone gel filled breast implants in 2006 was based on studies of over 120,000 women for 14 years, and found no increase risk of autoimmune based disease, but also no evidence of subjective symptoms that is now part of an umbrella term BII. You are safe from SSBI, regardless of being atopic. The number one risk of 'BII' is the preference to get medical information from the internet instead of a physician, and a propensity for believing conspiracy theories.

Thank you for your insightful question. Unfortunately there is no solid answer. BII is poorly understood yet the current thinking is that a certain subset of women may have their breast implant trigger some sort of body immune response. Since your immune system is already somewhat “primed” with your atopic history, it is a consideration: I believe most of plastic surgeons (myself included) would not disqualify you from a breast augmentation, nor should your history be considered a contraindication. Rather, it should be taken into consideration but the ultimate decision is between you and your plastic surgeon.

The he vast majority of women who undergo breast augmentation report a significant enhancement in their quality of life, and state they would do it all over again without hesitation. Those who report BII are a vocal minority.

Please consult with an experienced board certified plastic surgeon whose results appeal to you and be open to the possibility that more than one opinion may serve your best interests. Good luck to you.