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Of the 1% of women who experience complications after having breast implants, a small number develop a series of nonspecific and somewhat vague symptoms collectively known as breast implant illness (BII).
BII is not a formal diagnosis, and researchers are still working to understand how it develops and if it is related to the presence of breast implants. The most commonly reported symptoms are anxiety, depression, brain fog, chronic fatigue, dry mouth, dry eyes, gastrointestinal distress, hair loss, headaches, joint or muscle pain, skin problems, and significant changes in weight.
Unfortunately, increased awareness of BII has become a double-edged sword. Women experiencing its symptoms may feel comfort in knowing they are not alone but also be vulnerable to misinformation currently circulating about the illness.
It’s important for women with breast implants to understand that experiencing symptoms of BII does not necessarily mean that they will need to have their implants removed. Often other conditions – such as autoimmune or hormonal disorders – cause similar symptoms, so it can initially be challenging to locate the root cause.
Breast implant patients should rest assured that only a small percentage of breast implants result in complications and even fewer in conditions that require implant removal. If you are experiencing problems after breast implant surgery and suspect that they may be related to BII, contact your plastic surgeon and care team for an evaluation.