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Is Breast Implant Illness Real? Signs, Symptoms, and What to Do Next
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Each year, approximately 300,000 Americans opt for breast augmentation surgery — many seeking to enhance their appearance and boost their confidence. While the majority of these procedures are successful, some women may experience a range of concerning symptoms following implant placement.
These symptoms — collectively referred to as breast implant illness (BII) — can be subtle, making the condition challenging to pin down. Center for Multisystem Disease founder and director Jill R. Schofield, MD, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of complex autoimmune and autonomic disorders, including BII.
If you’re experiencing unexplained symptoms after breast implant surgery, Dr. Schofield can help. Here, we describe common signs and symptoms of BII and explain what to do next if you suspect your breast implants are affecting your health.
Understanding breast implant illness
The medical community is still learning about BII, and it’s not yet considered an official diagnosis by insurance companies. However, a growing number of women who undergo breast augmentation report unexpected health concerns.
The most commonly described symptoms of BII include:
- Unexplained fatigue
- Persistent joint pain, muscle aches, and discomfort
- Difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, or brain fog
- Increased hair shedding or thinning
- Skin irritation, rashes, or unusually sensitive skin
- Anxiety, depression, and mood imbalances
For some, these issues may become apparent shortly after surgery. Others may remain symptom-free for years before experiencing any health problems.
It’s important to note that breast implants can have other known complications, such as breast pain, changes in sensation, or swelling of the breast tissue, but these are generally considered separate from BII.
While the exact mechanisms are still under investigation, research suggests that components of the implant — such as silicone — may trigger an inflammatory or autoimmune response in certain individuals. Even saline-filled implants contain silicone in their outer shell, which can potentially contribute to these reactions.
Taking the next steps
If you’ve been on a frustrating health journey, seeing specialist after specialist without finding answers, you’ve come to the right place. Dr. Schofield prioritizes collaborative care, carefully listening to your individual concerns and symptoms.
There’s no single test that can identify BII. However, Dr. Schofield employs a comprehensive diagnostic approach, which may include advanced tests to investigate potential underlying factors.
While implant removal is an option for many women and can lead to significant improvement of symptoms, it’s not the only course of action. Some women choose to keep their implants and manage their symptoms with other treatments.
Dr. Schofield focuses on addressing the root cause of your BII symptoms. This may involve a combination of nonsurgical approaches, such as medication, lifestyle adjustments, dietary modifications, and stress management techniques.
If you have breast implants and you’re experiencing aches and pains that seem to have no explanation, it could be breast implant illness. Contact Center for Multisystem Disease in Denver, Colorado, today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward finding relief.
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