Breast implant illness (BII) is a term used by patients and some healthcare providers to describe a wide range of symptoms that may develop after receiving breast implants. Although BII is not an official medical diagnosis, thousands of women have reported experiencing systemic symptoms they attribute to their breast implants. As awareness grows, so does the demand for answers. How common is breast implant illness, and what should patients know about their risk?
What Are the Symptoms of Breast Implant Illness?
One of the most challenging aspects of BII is the variability of symptoms. The most common symptoms reported by women with breast implants include:
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Brain fog
- Memory issues
- Muscle aches
- Rashes
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Dry eyes
- Hair loss1
These symptoms can resemble autoimmune or connective tissue disorders, making diagnosis and treatment more complex. While no definitive test exists to confirm BII, patient experiences and emerging research continue to bring the condition into the spotlight.
What Are the Odds of Getting Breast Implant Illness?
Quantifying how common BII is remains difficult. According to the FDA, from 2008 to 2022, the agency received tens of thousands of medical device reports (MDRs) related to systemic symptoms in women with breast implants.2 While these reports suggest a pattern worth investigating, they do not confirm a direct causal relationship. Some published studies estimate that between 1% and 10% of women with breast implants may experience symptoms consistent with BII, though additional research is needed to better understand risk factors and prevalence.3
Is Breast Implant Illness Curable?
Because BII is not a formal diagnosis with clearly defined criteria, it does not have a standardized treatment protocol. However, many women report significant improvement or complete resolution of symptoms after having their breast implants removed through a procedure called explant surgery.4 While not guaranteed to "cure" the condition, explantation is often recommended for women with unexplained systemic symptoms who suspect their implants may be contributing.
Silicone Breast Implants and BII: Is There a Link?
Both silicone breast implants and saline implants have been associated with reports of BII. Some women believe silicone implants are more likely to trigger symptoms, but studies have not definitively confirmed a higher risk based on implant fill material.5 The FDA has acknowledged that some patients experience systemic symptoms and continues to monitor safety data.6
Why Some Women Choose to Remove Their Breast Implants
For women experiencing persistent, unexplained symptoms, breast implant explantation may offer a path toward relief. Some surgeons perform en bloc capsulectomy, removing the implant and surrounding scar tissue in one piece, although the medical necessity of this technique is debated. There are instances where an en bloc or complete capsulectomy is indicated, but there are occasions where this may cause more harm to the patient and may not be indicated. Patients considering explant surgery are encouraged to work with a board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate their unique situation and discuss potential outcomes.
Should You Be Concerned About Breast Implant Illness?
While most women with breast implants do not experience systemic symptoms, BII is a valid concern that deserves thoughtful consideration. If you have breast implants and are experiencing ongoing health issues, it's important to advocate for yourself and consult a trusted plastic surgeon. Open communication and personalized care are key to making informed decisions.
If you're experiencing symptoms you believe may be related to your breast implants or are considering implant removal, Dr. Farbod Esmailian can help you explore your options. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, he provides compassionate, individualized care to support your health and well-being. Contact his office today to schedule a private consultation.
1 Cleveland Clinic. Breast Cancer Illness. Available: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23366-breast-implant-illness. Accessed March 28, 2025.
2 U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Updates Analysis of Medical Device Reports of Breast Implant Illness and Breast Implant-Associated Lymphoma. Available: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-updates-analysis-medical-device-reports-breast-implant-illness-and-breast-implant-associated. Accessed March 28, 2025.
3 Magno-Padron DA, Luo J, Jessop TC, Garlick JW, Manum JS, Carter GC, Agarwal JP, Kwok AC. A population-based study of breast implant illness. Arch Plast Surg. 2021 Jul;48(4):353-360. doi: 10.5999/aps.2020.02117. Epub 2021 Jul 15. PMID: 34352944; PMCID: PMC8342259. Available: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34352944/#:~:text=Results:%20Of%20the%20182%20respondents,implant%20illness%20and%20its%20etiology. Accessed March 28, 2025.
4 BreastCancer.org. https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/breast-reconstruction/types/implant-reconstruction/illness/breast-implant-illness. Accessed March 28, 2025.
5 U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Medical Device Reports for Systemic Symptoms in Women with Breast Implants. Available: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/breast-implants/medical-device-reports-systemic-symptoms-women-breast-implants#. Accessed March 28, 2025.
6 U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Updates Analysis of Medical Device Reports of Breast Implant Illness and Breast Implant-Associated Lymphoma. Available: https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-updates-analysis-medical-device-reports-breast-implant-illness-and-breast-implant-associated. Accessed March 28, 2025.
