What are the chances of breast implant illness?

Question

How common is breast implant illness and health issues associated with it? Is saline safer? The shell still has silicone and I heard the saline implants get moldy? Every time I research implants there are so many ppl with BII. I know tons of ppl get implants yearly what is the percent of ppl that get sick. My only option is implants after a lift I am lacking upper pole fullness after pregnancies.

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Breast implant illness (BII) is a term used to describe a variety of symptoms that some individuals attribute to their breast implants. However, it's important to note that the concept of BII is not widely recognized or supported by scientific evidence. The symptoms reported by those who claim to have BII can vary greatly, making it challenging to establish a clear cause-and-effect relationship between breast implants and the reported symptoms.

When it comes to the safety of breast implants, both saline and silicone implants have been approved by regulatory bodies such as the FDA. Saline implants are filled with a sterile saltwater solution, while silicone implants have a silicone gel filling. Both types have a silicone shell.

Regarding the concern of mold in saline implants, it is extremely rare. Saline implants are filled with a sterile saline solution, which is not conducive to mold growth. However, it's important to follow proper surgical techniques and post-operative care to minimize the risk of complications.

It's difficult to provide a specific percentage of people who experience health issues related to breast implants because the reported symptoms can be subjective and vary greatly. It's essential to consult with a qualified plastic surgeon who can provide you with accurate information, discuss the potential risks and benefits, and address any concerns you may have.

Before making a decision, it's recommended to thoroughly research and educate yourself on the topic, consult with medical professionals, and carefully weigh the potential benefits and risks associated with breast implants in your specific situation.

I hope this helps,
best of luck !

Martin Jugenburg, MD · Answer

Hello, thank you for your question. There is very little known or understood about breast implant illness. Speak to your plastic surgeon about your concerns. It is difficult to predict who will suffer from this but we believe that those with anxiety may have a higher likelihood.

Connie Hiers, MD, FACS · Answer

Breast implant illness is still not every common and implants have been used since the 60's. If you don't want implants, consider a fat transfer for more volume. However, the fat content will change with age and weight changes.  Many toxicology studies done on these ladies with BII show heavy medals that are present in tattoo ink and hair dyes and cosmetics. Many of these ladies have tattoos and use hair dyes and cosmetics. We are all exposed to a variety of toxins everyday and it is difficult to find an exact cause for BII.

What are the chances of breast implant illness?

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What are the chances of breast implant illness?

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