Breast augmentation, or breast implant surgery, is a popular procedure that enhances breast size and shape. While many women enjoy successful outcomes, some may experience complications after the surgery. One of the concerns that some breast implant patients have is breast implant illness (BII), which refers to a set of systemic symptoms of breast implant illness that some individuals experience after getting breast implants.
In this blog, we will explore the symptoms of your body rejecting breast implants, discuss the common signs of breast implant illness, and delve into the potential causes behind it. Understanding the symptoms and seeking medical attention when necessary can help you make informed decisions about your health, particularly if you’re considering implant removal or dealing with complications after breast augmentation.
What is Breast Implant Illness (BII)?
Breast implant illness (BII) is a term used to describe a range of symptoms that some women report after undergoing breast augmentation or breast reconstruction with implants. While breast implants are generally safe, breast implant illness symptoms are still not fully understood, and the exact cause remains a topic of ongoing medical research.
Some of the most common symptoms of breast implant illness include chronic fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, skin rashes, and hair loss. These symptoms can occur after implant surgery, and some women experience them long after the procedure. In many cases, breast implant illness symptoms are systemic, meaning they affect the whole body rather than being confined to the breasts or the area surrounding the implant.
Symptoms of Your Body Rejecting Breast Implants
While a true rejection of breast implants is rare, breast implant illness can cause your body to react negatively to the implants, leading to systemic symptoms. Here are some of the most common symptoms of breast implant illness and the possible ways in which your body may react:
1. Breast Pain and Sensitivity
One of the earliest signs that you may be experiencing complications after breast augmentation is breast pain or breast sensitivity. While some discomfort is expected in the initial weeks after implant surgery, persistent pain or sensitivity long after the procedure could be a sign of capsular contracture or an infection.
Capsular contracture occurs when the scar tissue around the implant becomes hardened and squeezes the implant, leading to pain and sometimes changes in the shape or appearance of the breast. This condition can cause tenderness and may require implant removal or more surgery to correct.
2. Fatigue and Chronic Tiredness
Chronic fatigue is one of the most commonly reported symptoms associated with breast implant illness. Some women experience a deep sense of exhaustion and muscle weakness, which is often unrelated to activity level. This tiredness may persist even after a full night’s rest. Fatigue can be related to an autoimmune response or a disruption in your body’s natural processes, possibly triggered by foreign objects in your body.
3. Joint Pain and Muscle Aches
Many women with breast implant illness report joint pain and muscle weakness. These symptoms may mimic those of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, and they can be debilitating. The inflammation and pain in the joints and muscles may stem from an immune system response to the implants or other underlying issues, which can significantly impact a person’s quality of life.
4. Cognitive Issues: Brain Fog and Trouble Concentrating
Brain fog is another symptom that many breast implant patients report experiencing. This condition can manifest as difficulty concentrating, memory loss, or mental fatigue. Women with breast implant illness often report feeling like they can’t think clearly, even after resting. Cognitive issues such as these can be frustrating and affect daily life, making it challenging to perform tasks requiring focus and mental energy.
5. Skin Rashes and Sensitivity
Skin-related issues are another common symptom of breast implant illness. Skin rashes, itchiness, or increased sensitivity around the breasts or elsewhere on the body can develop in response to the implants. These reactions may occur due to an autoimmune response or because the body rejects the implants’ foreign material.
In some cases, women may experience skin irritation that worsens over time, leading to visible rash or dryness around the implant area. Contact dermatitis, a type of skin inflammation, may also occur, leading to redness and discomfort.
6. Breast Sensation Changes
Changes in breast sensation can indicate that your body reacts to the implants. Some women report experiencing numbness, tingling, or hypersensitivity in their breasts after breast augmentation. These changes can result from nerve irritation, scarring, or other factors related to the implant placement.
7. Headaches and Migraines
Women with breast implant illness often report frequent headaches or migraines. The headaches can range from mild to severe and may be linked to systemic inflammation caused by the implants. Some women also report feeling pressure in their head or behind the eyes, which can worsen over time.
8. Hair Loss
Hair loss is another symptom that some women with breast implant illness experience. This may happen gradually or suddenly and is typically associated with hormonal imbalances, stress, or autoimmune disorders. If you’re noticing more hair than usual in your brush or shower, it may be linked to your breast implants, especially if you’re experiencing other systemic symptoms.
9. Swollen Lymph Nodes and Breasts
Some women with breast implant illness notice swelling or tenderness in their lymph nodes or around the breast tissue. This can occur as a response to the foreign material of the implants, causing the immune system to react. Swelling may also result from infection, and it’s important to seek medical attention if you notice any changes in the size or shape of your lymph nodes or breasts.
Diagnosing Breast Implant Illness
There is no single test to diagnose breast implant illness, which can make it difficult to pinpoint exactly when breast implants are causing health problems. The symptoms of breast implant illness are often systemic, affecting multiple areas of the body, making it hard to distinguish from other conditions.
Suppose you suspect that you are experiencing symptoms of breast implant illness. In that case, it is crucial to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon or primary care physician who is experienced with breast implants. They may recommend imaging tests, blood work, or other diagnostic procedures to rule out other underlying health conditions. If breast implant illness is suspected, the surgeon may recommend implant removal or breast reconstruction.
1. Breast Implant Removal
In many cases, implant removal is the most effective treatment for breast implant illness. If the implants are found to be the cause of the symptoms, your doctor may recommend removal to alleviate the discomfort and systemic issues caused by the implants. Some women report significant improvement in their health after implant removal.
2. Capsulectomy and Complete Implant Removal
In some cases, a capsulectomy may be performed, which involves removing the capsule of scar tissue that forms around the implant. This is particularly important for patients with capsular contracture (hardened scar tissue), as removing the capsule can improve symptoms and reduce the risk of further complications.
Preventing Breast Implant Illness
While breast implant illness (BII) is not fully understood, there are proactive steps you can take to minimize the risk of complications associated with breast implants, whether you are considering breast augmentation, breast reconstruction, or managing existing implants. Ensuring that you choose the right implant type, understand your body’s response to foreign materials, and work with an experienced surgeon can significantly reduce the likelihood of experiencing breast implant illness symptoms.
Here’s a deeper look into the various ways you can prevent or mitigate the risks of breast implant illness:
1. Choosing the Right Type of Implant: Textured vs. Smooth vs. Silicone Breast Implants
The type of implant you choose is one of the most crucial decisions in minimizing the risk of complications. The two most common types of breast implants are silicone and saline, and each has its own set of potential risks.
- Silicone Breast Implants: Many women opt for silicone breast implants due to their natural feel and appearance. However, silicone implants have been linked to a range of complications, such as the possibility of rupture, which could lead to leakage and potentially cause inflammation or other health issues. The material of the implant may also trigger an immune system response in some patients, contributing to breast implant illness.
- Textured Breast Implants: Textured breast implants are designed to prevent the implant from shifting and are often used in breast reconstruction procedures. However, there has been concern regarding textured breast implants and their association with anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), a rare form of cancer. Though the link between textured implants and ALCL is not fully understood, some studies suggest that these implants may lead to chronic inflammation, which could potentially increase the risk of developing serious complications. Choosing smooth implants may reduce these risks for some women, although silicone implants in general remain popular for both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery.
2. Work with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
To reduce the risk of breast implant illness and ensure optimal outcomes, it’s essential to work with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in both cosmetic breast augmentation and breast reconstruction. A qualified surgeon can help you choose the right implant material and size based on your unique anatomy and health history.
An experienced surgeon will also discuss potential risks with you, such as the possibility of capsular contracture (hardening of the scar tissue around the implant), implant rupture, and other complications. They will ensure that you are fully informed of the benefits and risks of various types of implants, including silicone breast implants, and help you make the most informed decision.
3. Understand the Risks of Breast Implants and Associated Conditions
Though breast implant illness symptoms are not universally experienced, certain conditions can increase the likelihood of complications. It’s important to discuss any pre-existing health issues with your surgeon to ensure that breast implants are the right choice for you. Some factors to consider include:
- Autoimmune disorders: Women with autoimmune diseases or those with a family history of such conditions may be more prone to developing breast implant illness. In some cases, the immune system may react to the foreign body introduced by the implant, leading to symptoms like joint pain, brain fog, and chronic fatigue.
- Breast Cancer: If you have a history of breast cancer or are undergoing breast reconstruction following a mastectomy, it’s important to understand the potential risks of implant surgery. While implants do not cause breast cancer, the presence of implants can sometimes complicate the detection of cancer during mammograms or other imaging tests. It is crucial to have regular follow-ups with your doctor and ensure that your implants do not interfere with the early detection of any potential issues.
- Genetic Factors: Some women may be more genetically predisposed to certain types of complications, such as capsular contracture, which could increase the risk of breast implant illness. A conversation with your doctor about your family history of breast cancer, autoimmune disease, or any other related conditions can guide your implant choice and surgery plan.
4. Consider Implant Removal if Symptoms Arise
For some women, breast implant illness symptoms may appear long after the surgery, and if they are severe or persistent, implant removal might be necessary. If you’re experiencing unexplained symptoms like chronic fatigue, joint pain, skin rashes, or brain fog, it’s important to consult your surgeon. If your breast implants are found to be the cause of these symptoms, removal may provide relief.
- Implant Removal: For patients with severe symptoms, breast implant removal may alleviate the autoimmune response or other complications that arise due to the implants. In some cases, implant removal may be followed by a capsulectomy, where the surrounding scar tissue is removed to reduce the risk of future issues.
- Breast Reconstruction After Implant Removal: If you’ve undergone breast reconstruction following breast cancer surgery and are considering implant removal, you may want to discuss alternative options with your surgeon. Breast reconstruction with flap surgery, using tissue from other areas of the body, may be a suitable alternative to implants.
5. Follow-Up and Monitoring
Once your implants are placed, it’s important to maintain regular follow-ups with your plastic surgeon or healthcare provider. Regular monitoring ensures that potential complications, like implant rupture, capsular contracture, or infection, are caught early before they develop into more serious issues.
If you are experiencing symptoms related to breast implant illness, such as muscle pain, skin rashes, or unexplained fatigue, don’t hesitate to reach out to your plastic surgeon or primary care physician. In some cases, early detection and prompt treatment can prevent further complications and improve your health outcomes.
6. Healthy Lifestyle and Immune Support
Supporting your body’s immune system and overall health can also help minimize risks after breast augmentation. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants can help support breast tissue and reduce inflammation. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption, both of which can negatively impact your immune system and overall healing.
In addition, some women find that immune-boosting supplements, such as vitamin C, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics, may help their bodies better tolerate foreign objects like breast implants. Always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen.
Conclusion
Suppose you are experiencing symptoms of your body rejecting breast implants. In that case, it’s important to consult with a healthcare provider who can help diagnose breast implant illness and offer appropriate treatment options. While breast augmentation can offer cosmetic benefits, it’s crucial to be aware of the potential complications that can arise. Whether you opt for implant removal, capsulectomy, or other treatments, seeking the guidance of a qualified plastic surgeon and prioritizing your health will help ensure that you make the best decision for your body.
References
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/breast-augmentation/about/pac-20393178
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/21724-breast-implants
https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/breast-augmentation/implants
