Breast Implant Illness

Breast implant illness (BII) is a loosely defined term for a condition affecting women who have developed a variety of symptoms after the placement of their breast implants. Although breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure and is considered safe, the connection to breast implant illness symptoms is not well understood by researchers and doctors.

What are the signs and symptoms Breast Implant Illness?

Breast implant illness (BII) is not a currently recognized diagnosis and is sometimes referred to as autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants or ASIA. There are no currently recognized standards of diagnosis, but patients report a variety of symptoms. Symptoms include chronic fatigue and pain; depression, anxiety, and difficulty sleeping; skin irritation, rashes, and hair loss; gastrointestinal issues and other symptoms.

Although breast implant illness is not understood, there does not seem to be a direct correspondence to a particular type of implant. Silicone and saline implants can be effected, regardless of shape and texture. In many cases, patients have reported resolution of BII symptoms after the breast implants are removed.

What is Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)?

Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare type of  cancer of the immune system that can occur in patients with textured breast implants. BIA-ALCL is not breast cancer, but can occur in women who have had reconstruction with textured implants following breast cancer, as well as women with no history of breast cancer.

Symptoms of BIA-ALCL include pain and swelling at the breast; breast enlargement or asymmetry; hardness, fluid collection, or developing a lump in the breast; and a skin rash over the breast. BIA-ALCL only affects patients with textured implants — not smooth implants.