Is There A Breast Implant Illness Test?

There is no specific test for “breast implant illness,” as it is not an officially medically recognised condition. However, there are tests that can be used to evaluate symptoms that some women attribute to their breast implants.

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For example, if a woman is experiencing fatigue, joint pain, and muscle weakness, her doctor may perform blood tests to check for autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. If a woman is experiencing chest pain or shortness of breath, she may undergo imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans to check for any complications with the implants.

In some cases, women may request to have their breast implants removed due to concerns about breast implant illness. If a woman is experiencing symptoms that she believes are related to her breast implants, it is important for her to discuss these concerns with her doctor, who can evaluate her symptoms and recommend any necessary testing or treatments.

It is important to note that the scientific evidence does not support the notion of a specific condition called “breast implant illness.” The majority of women with breast implants do not experience any long-term health problems, and most symptoms can be explained by other causes.

What is Breast Implant Illness (BII)?

Breast implant illness is a term used to describe a range of symptoms reported by some women with breast implants. These symptoms can include fatigue, joint and muscle pain, cognitive difficulties, hair loss, rashes and other skin issues, among others. The exact cause of breast implant illness is not well understood, and there is limited scientific evidence to support its existence as a distinct medical condition. However, some women report experiencing improvement in their symptoms after having breast implant removal. Breast implant illness is a rare condition, and there is still little understood about the condition apart from the fact that the removal of breast implants can often significantly improve symptoms. It is important to rule out other medical conditions first before considering breast implant illness as a potential cause of your symptoms.

It is important to consult with a medical professional at Centre for Surgery to determine the best course of action for individual health concerns.

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Why Does Breast Implant Illness Happen?

The truth is, scientists and doctors aren’t entirely sure why some people experience symptoms that they describe as Breast Implant Illness (BII). There are many theories, but no definite answers yet.

One common idea is that the symptoms could be caused by inflammation in the body. This might be triggered by silicone, which is a material often used in breast implants. But there’s still a lot of research that needs to be done to confirm this or understand how exactly it works.

Other theories are even more varied:

• Human Adjuvant Disease: This is the idea that the materials in breast implants act as ‘adjuvants,’ substances that could potentially make the immune system more active and lead to symptoms.
• Silicone-Induced Incompatibility Syndrome: Some think that silicone could be incompatible with certain people, leading to a range of symptoms.
• ASIA (Autoimmune/Inflammatory Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants): This is similar to the Human Adjuvant Disease idea but is a broader term that could also include symptoms caused by other substances, not just breast implants.
• Heavy Metal Poisoning: There’s also the theory that materials used in making the implants (or even in things like tattoos) might contain heavy metals that could be causing symptoms.
• Chronic Inflammation/Infection or Allergy: Finally, some think that yeast in saline implants or bacteria around any kind of implant could cause long-term inflammation or infection, leading to symptoms.

Some people believe that certain individuals might be more likely to have an immune reaction to the materials in breast implants, which leads to inflammation and symptoms. Basically, these people’s bodies might not ‘like’ the materials used in the implants and react by causing symptoms that we group together as BII.

So while we don’t have a clear-cut answer yet, there’s ongoing research to try and figure out why some people experience these symptoms after getting breast implants.

Common symptoms of BII

Breast implant illness (BII) is a term used to describe a range of symptoms that some women with breast implants have reported experiencing. These symptoms can vary greatly between individuals and can include the following:

1. Fatigue: Many women with BII report feeling fatigued, exhausted, or lacking energy.
2. Joint and muscle pain: Some women experience joint pain, muscle aches, and other types of chronic pain.
3. Cognitive difficulties: Some women with BII report having trouble concentrating, memory loss, and difficulty with mental processing.
4. Hair loss: Some women report experiencing hair loss and thinning hair, which can be distressing.
5. Skin issues: Some women with BII report experiencing rashes, acne, and other skin problems.
6. Digestive problems: Some women with BII report experiencing digestive issues such as bloating, abdominal pain, and constipation.
7. Sleep disturbances: Some women with BII report having trouble sleeping, feeling restless, or having vivid nightmares.
8. Mood changes: Some women with BII report experiencing mood changes, including depression, anxiety, irritability, and mood swings.

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It’s important to note that many of these symptoms can also be associated with other health conditions, and not all women with breast implants will experience BII. It’s also important to consult with a medical professional to determine the best course of action for individual health concerns.

While the exact cause of BII is not well understood, some experts believe that it may be related to the presence of silicone or other materials in the implants, or to an immune system reaction to the implants. However, more research is needed to confirm these theories and to better understand the symptoms associated with BII.

What is the best treatment for breast implant illness?

Diagnosis of breast implant illness is the first step to planning appropriate treatment. Breast implant illness is still not officially recognised as a medical condition by medical experts in the UK. There is no definitive test to confirm or exclude the condition. We would recommend having a consultation with a specialist Plastic Surgeon to determine whether you have symptoms, suggestive of breast implant illness.

Many patients often develop several symptoms which can make activities of daily living difficult. People may often consult their GP to rule out other medical conditions.

Breast implant removal is the only accepted method of stopping, reducing or reversing the effects of breast implant illness. The incision used for breast augmentation is also used for breast implant removal. The best treatment for BII will vary depending on each individual’s symptoms, overall health, and personal preferences. Some common treatments for BII include:

1. Implant removal: Many women with BII report improvement in their symptoms after having their implants removed. This is sometimes referred to as “explanation.” The implants are removed along with any breast capsule, and the incisions are closed. After breast implant removal, there are several procedures that can help to improve the appearance of the breasts, as they may appear deflated after removal. Treatment options include combining breast implant removal with a breast lift to restore perkier and youthful-looking breasts.
2. Medical management: In some cases, treating underlying medical conditions or managing symptoms with medications can help alleviate symptoms associated with BII.
3. Lifestyle changes: Making changes to diet, exercise, sleep patterns, and stress management can sometimes help alleviate symptoms associated with BII.
4. Complementary and alternative medicine: Some women with BII turn to complementary and alternative medicine, such as acupuncture, massage therapy, and herbal remedies, to manage their symptoms.

It’s important to consult with a medical professional to determine the best course of action for individual health concerns. In some cases, a combination of treatments may be necessary to achieve the best results.

It’s also important to note that while some women with BII report improvement in their symptoms after treatment, others may continue to experience symptoms even after having their implants removed or undergoing other treatments. Further research is needed to better understand the underlying causes of BII and to develop more effective treatments.

What are my chances of getting breast implant illness?

The exact prevalence of breast implant illness (BII) is not known, and there is limited scientific evidence to support its existence as a distinct medical condition. Some estimates suggest that anywhere from a few percent to as many as 20% of women with breast implants may experience symptoms that they believe are related to BII.

It’s important to note that not all women with breast implants will experience BII, and the risk of developing BII is likely influenced by a variety of factors, including the type and composition of the implants, the individual’s overall health, and other factors that may increase the risk of developing symptoms.

How long does it take for breast implant illness to show?