What You Need
To Know About
You may have heard of Breast Implant Illness (BII), but you may not know what it is or if it affects you. BII is a group of symptoms that can happen to women who have breast implants. It is hard to study and treat because the FDA hasn't given it an official diagnosis.
Also, there's no way to tell who will get this disease, but it's essential to know the possible risks. Women who have smooth, textured, silicone, or saline implants have all said they have BII-like symptoms. Please talk to us or your doctor if you think you might have Breast Implant Illness. Breast Implant Illness is a real and serious condition that can be very painful and hard to live with. Please don't be afraid to ask for help. The sooner you get help, the faster we can fix the problem, and you might be able to avoid some of the worst side effects of BII.
Awareness
Breast Implant Illness (BII) is a term that is used to describe a range of symptoms that are said to be caused by breast implants. While the exact cause of BII is not yet known, many people who have breast implants have reported experiencing a range of symptoms, including fatigue, muscle and joint pain, cognitive impairment, hair loss, and autoimmune disorders.
To learn more about Breast Implant Illness Atlanta patients are encouraged to discuss their breast implant or breast implant removal options with Dr. Yalif by scheduling an appointment at our Atlanta or Alpharetta, GA, office. Call (404) 822-4402 to schedule a consultation, or contact us online.
One rare form of Breast Implant Illness is a condition known as "breast implant associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma" (BIA-ALCL), which is a type of cancer that can develop in the scar tissue around breast implants. While the incidence of BIA-ALCL is relatively low, with only a few hundred cases reported worldwide, it can be a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. The symptoms of BII can be similar to those of other autoimmune disorders, and it can be difficult to determine whether a person's symptoms are caused by breast implants or something else.
If you have breast implants and are experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, muscle and joint pain, cognitive impairment, hair loss, or autoimmune disorders, it is important to talk to your doctor. They can help to determine the cause of your symptoms and provide appropriate treatment.
While the exact cause of Breast Implant Illness is not yet known, there is evidence to suggest that breast implants may be linked to a range of symptoms and autoimmune disorders. If you have breast implants and are experiencing symptoms, it is important to talk to your doctor to determine the cause and receive appropriate treatment.
An Expert By Your Side
Atlanta Breast Implant Illness expert, Dr. Yalif, combines the skill of a fellowship-trained plastic surgeon with a warm bedside manner that puts patients at ease from the moment they meet him. He leads a small team of dedicated professionals at our boutique practice, where you'll be treated as a member of the Y Plastic Surgery family.
Research
There is currently no definitive test or diagnostic criteria for Breast Implant Illness, and the condition is not recognized by the medical community as a distinct illness. However, some doctors and researchers have suggested that BII may be the result of an autoimmune reaction to the materials used in breast implants, such as silicone or saline.
In recent years, there has been an increasing amount of research on the potential link between breast implants and autoimmune disorders. A number of studies have found that women with breast implants are more likely to develop autoimmune disorders than women without breast implants. In one study, researchers found that women with breast implants were six times more likely to develop scleroderma, a rare autoimmune disorder that affects the connective tissue in the body.
Making the Choice
Explant surgery and en bloc removal (explant with capsulectomy) are the two main methods of removing breast implants. The most common type of surgery to remove a breast implant is called "explant surgery," which involves taking out the implant by resectioning it from any surrounding tissue. During an en bloc procedure we remove the whole capsule of implant and surrounding tissue together. Explant and en bloc resection each have their own pros and cons.
Explant Surgery is an outpatient technique that can be carried out under general anesthesia. The surgeon will first make an incision and extract the implant. The incision will subsequently be stitched closed. To monitor fluid output in the implant space, drains may be implanted and later removed in-office.
In some instances, the surgeon may additionally propose a capsulectomy, the removal of tissue surrounding the implant. This can be performed as either a partial or whole en bloc capsulectomy. If there is severe scarring surrounding the implant or if the implant has ruptured, these operations may be advised.
You may experience some discomfort and swelling for the first several days following explant surgery to handle Breast Implant Illness. You should, however, be able to resume your regular activities, including working, within a week. However, capsulectomy surgeries can lengthen your recovery. Dr. Y will discuss further post-operative care during your consultation.
Breast Implant Illness is a multi-symptom condition that can involve a wide range of symptoms affecting different organ systems and varying in severity. Breast Implant Illness can be debilitating and can worsen over time. While we don't have a test for it, your symptoms are real, and we will do our best to formulate a plan to hopefully alleviate them.
Breast Implant Illness does not have a single origin, but it is believed to be the result of foreign materials, such as silicone used in breast implants, entering the body. Symptoms of breast implant sickness may emerge shortly after surgery or years afterward. Understanding the symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment.
There are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of having Breast Implant Illness:
If you develop any concerning symptoms, contact your surgeon.
Renew your look with expert, personalized treatment from Dr. Y. Begin the planning process with a one-on-one plastic surgery consultation in Alpharetta or Atlanta, Georgia. We are excited to welcome you to Y Plastic Surgery!