Breast Implant Illness Symptoms

Breast augmentation can be an exciting, life-changing procedure for many women—but for others, unexplained health concerns may arise months or even years after surgery. Often referred to as breast implant illness (BII), this collection of symptoms has gained increasing attention as more patients seek answers for how they feel. While BII is not yet a formally recognized medical diagnosis, many women report a wide range of symptoms that improve after implant removal. Understanding these symptoms is the first step toward determining whether your implants could be affecting your overall well-being.

Table of Contents

• What Is Breast Implant Illness?
• Common Symptoms of Breast Implant Illness
• When Do BII Symptoms Start?
• How to Relieve Symptoms
• Who Should Consider Breast Implant Removal?

What Is Breast Implant Illness?

Breast implant illness (BII) is a term used to describe a collection of systemic symptoms that develop in some women after receiving breast implants. These symptoms can affect multiple systems in the body, making BII difficult to diagnose because there is no definitive test for it.

Symptoms often overlap with other conditions, so BII is typically considered a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning other potential causes need to be ruled out before connecting symptoms to implants.

Common Symptoms of Breast Implant Illness

As many as 100 different symptoms have been attributed to breast implant illness.

Chronic Fatigue

The most common symptom reported is persistent fatigue that doesn’t seem to improve with sleep or rest. Affecting over 50 percent of patients, many women describe having low energy all the time or feeling constantly drained, even after a full night’s sleep.

Cognitive Issues

Difficulty concentrating, memory lapses, and mental sluggishness (brain fog) are commonly reported. Cognitive impairment affects as many as 33 percent of BII patients and can interfere with work, daily tasks, and overall quality of life.

Joint and Muscle Pain

Unexplained aches, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints and muscles are also associated with BII. Some patients compare these symptoms to autoimmune-related discomfort.

Hair Loss and Skin Changes

Thinning hair, brittle strands, rashes, and dry or irritated skin may occur. These symptoms tend to develop gradually and are sometimes overlooked at first.

Mental Health and Mood Changes

Mental health symptoms, including anxiety and depression, are another concern. While these can have many causes, some patients notice improvement after implant removal.

Autoimmune-like Symptoms

Some women report symptoms that mimic autoimmune disorders, such as chronic inflammation, swollen lymph nodes, and sensitivity to foods or environmental triggers.

When Do BII Symptoms Start?

Anytime. BII symptoms may appear shortly after surgery, months later, or even years after implantation. This variability is one of the main reasons BII can be challenging to identify and diagnose. For many patients, it is not immediately obvious that their symptoms might be related to their breast implants.

How to Relieve Symptoms

Many women who undergo breast implant removal, particularly with complete capsule removal, report significant improvement in their symptoms. While results can vary, this procedure is often considered the most effective step for patients who suspect BII.

Each patient is unique, so recovery timelines and symptom resolution will differ from patient to patient. However, for many, explant surgery offers both physical relief and peace of mind.

Who Should Consider Breast Implant Removal?

If you suspect your breast implants are making you sick, you may want to explore your options. If you:

• Have persistent, unexplained symptoms
• Have ruled out other medical conditions
• Feel your health has changed since getting implants

A personalized consultation can help you better understand your symptoms and whether implant removal is appropriate. 

Dr. Philip Straka is one of the top breast implant removal surgeons in the country and one of the only surgeons who has been performing en bloc capsulectomy for over three decades. Dr. Straka is known for providing compassionate care for patients suffering from breast implant illness, helping them achieve relief and comfort.

Learn More About Breast Implant Illness in Chicago

If you are experiencing these or any other symptoms of breast implant illness, a consultation with a breast surgery specialist is the ideal first step. Dr. Philip J. Straka is a board-certified plastic surgeon and one of the top breast implant removal surgeons in the country.

Call (281) 540-8044 or complete our online contact form to schedule a consultation.