Breast implant illness (BII) is a term used by patients, and increasingly by physicians, to describe a constellation of systemic symptoms that some women with breast implants attribute to their implants. It is a topic that has generated significant attention, debate, and concern in both the medical community and among women with implants. Board-certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Farah Naz Khan takes a compassionate, evidence-based approach to this complex subject, helping Dallas-area patients understand what is known, what remains uncertain, and what their options are.
What Is Breast Implant Illness?
Breast implant illness is not a formally recognized medical diagnosis, it is a patient-reported syndrome describing symptoms that a woman believes are related to her breast implants. These symptoms vary widely but commonly include:
- Chronic fatigue and brain fog
- Joint pain and muscle aches
- Rashes or skin changes
- Hair loss
- Dry eyes or dry mouth
- Difficulty sleeping
- Headaches and mood changes, anxiety, or depression
What Does the Research Currently Show?
A well-established, FDA-recognized association exists between textured breast implants and a rare type of lymphoma called BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma), this is a distinct and reasonably well-characterized condition that led to the recall of certain textured implants in 2019.
The broader syndrome referred to as BII is more difficult to study scientifically because of the variability of symptoms, the lack of a biomarker or diagnostic test, and the difficulty of controlling for confounding factors. The FDA has acknowledged the patient experience of BII as real and worthy of further research and has required new labeling more clearly disclosing potential systemic risks.
What Are Your Options If You Are Concerned?
Watchful Waiting and Monitoring
For patients with mild or non-specific symptoms, a reasonable first approach is monitoring over time and discussing symptoms with both a primary care physician and a surgeon. Many symptoms attributed to BII have other common causes that should be evaluated and excluded.
Implant Removal (Explantation)
For patients who are convinced their symptoms are implant-related and wish to have their implants removed, explantation is a straightforward surgical option. Some patients report significant symptom improvement after removal; others do not.
En Bloc Capsulectomy
Some patients and surgeons advocate for en bloc capsulectomy, removal of the implant and surrounding capsule as a single intact unit. The evidence that en bloc capsulectomy produces better outcomes than standard removal is limited, but Dr. Khan can discuss this option in detail during the consultation.
A Judgment-Free Conversation
Dr. Khan approaches BII concerns with genuine compassion and without dismissiveness. Patients who are worried about their implants deserve a thorough conversation, honest information about what is and is not known, and a recommendation that is in their best interest.
To discuss breast implant illness concerns with Dr. Khan, schedule a consultation at khanplasticsurgery.com.
Dr. Khan provides breast implant evaluation, revision, and removal to patients in Dallas, Plano, Fort Worth, and the greater DFW metroplex. Contact Khan Plastic Surgery today.