Breast Implant Illness in Chicago, IL
Breast augmentation remains one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries performed today, and continues to be a safe and effective way to enhance your silhouette. However, like any surgical procedure, there are potential risks, including a condition that has come to light in recent years known as breast implant illness (BII). Though it’s considered rare and not officially recognized as a diagnosable disease, some breast augmentation patients have reported a consistent cluster of symptoms they believe are tied to their breast implants. If you have breast implants or are considering breast augmentation, understanding what BII is, what symptoms to look for, and what treatment options are available can help you make informed decisions about your health.
Table of Contents
- What Is Breast Implant Illness?
- What Causes Breast Implant Illness?
- What Are the Symptoms of Breast Implant Illness?
- How Is Breast Implant Illness Diagnosed?
- How Is Breast Implant Illness Treated?
- How Soon After Breast Implant Illness Treatment Will I Feel Better?
- Learn More About Breast Implant Illness in Chicago
What Is Breast Implant Illness?
Breast implant illness is a blanket term used to describe a variety of musculoskeletal, cognitive, and systemic symptoms that some patients experience after getting breast implants. It is important to note that BII is not yet an official medical diagnosis and remains a subject of ongoing research and debate in the medical community. However, many patients report feeling dramatically better after having their implants removed, leading to increased awareness and investigation into the condition.
What Causes Breast Implant Illness?
As mentioned above, the exact cause of breast implant illness is not fully understood. Some theories suggest it may be an autoimmune or inflammatory response triggered by the implants, especially in patients who are already predisposed to autoimmune conditions. Other theories are that silicone leakage, bacterial contamination, or your body’s reaction to the implant shell (even in saline implants, which have a silicone shell) could be contributing factors. BII symptoms have been reported in patients with both saline and silicone implants, including those whose implants are intact.
What Are the Symptoms of Breast Implant Illness?
BII symptoms can vary widely from person to person, but often include:
- Chronic fatigue
- Joint and muscle pain
- Brain fog or memory problems
- Depression or anxiety
- Rashes or skin issues
- Hair loss
- Dry eyes or mouth
- Hormonal imbalances
- Difficulty breathing
Many of these symptoms are present in other medical conditions, which can make it challenging to pinpoint BII as the underlying cause without a thorough evaluation.
How Is Breast Implant Illness Diagnosed?
There are no specific tests for breast implant illness, which can make diagnosis challenging. Most patients arrive at a diagnosis via a process of elimination, ruling out other medical causes through blood tests, imaging, and consultations with specialists. If no clear diagnosis is found and the patient has breast implants, BII may be the culprit. Diagnosis often hinges on the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and awareness of their body and health, combined with the eventual exclusion of other illnesses.
How Is Breast Implant Illness Treated?
The most common treatment for breast implant illness is surgical removal of the implants, which often includes removing the surrounding scar tissue (known as a capsulectomy). Some surgeons will remove the implant and capsule separately, while others (like Dr. Philip Straka) will remove the implant and capsule as one unit. The latter procedure is known as an “en bloc capsulectomy,” and is more complex than other types of capsule removal. However, en bloc capsulectomy minimizes the development of scar tissue and ensures complete removal of the capsule, including any leaked silicone or sutures that may remain. In some cases, patients also pursue additional detoxification strategies, nutritional support, or therapies to help address any lingering symptoms of BII.
How Soon After Breast Implant Illness Treatment Will I Feel Better?
Many patients report noticeable improvement in their BII symptoms within days or weeks of having their breast implants removed. You may feel less fatigued, joint pain may lessen, and mental clarity often improves. However, for others, recovery may take longer and may require additional lifestyle changes, therapies, or medical management. Because BII symptoms are often so diverse and specific to the individual, recovery timelines vary greatly. That said, a significant number of patients describe feeling a sense of relief, both physically and emotionally, after the removal of their breast implants.
Learn More About Breast Implant Illness in Chicago
Your health and peace of mind matter, so if you’re experiencing unexplained symptoms and suspect your breast implants may be playing a part in your concerns, it’s worth having a conversation with Dr. Philip Straka, a board-certified plastic surgeon who is highly experienced and specializes in breast explant procedures. He will listen to your concerns, evaluate your symptoms, and explain your options to help you determine the best path to healing. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Straka, call our office today at (281) 540-8044 or complete the online contact form.