Breast Implant Illness (BII)
Breast implant removal in Scottsdale with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ashley Howarth for women experiencing concerns related to Breast Implant Illness (BII). Each procedure is approached with care, experience, and a deep respect for your personal journey.
Experience the exceptional care and personalized touch of a board-certified female plastic surgeon who prioritizes your well-being every step of the way. Discover why Dr. Ashley Howarth stands out as one of the best plastic surgeons in Arizona for results that look and feel beautifully natural.
Breast Implant Illness (BII) in Scottsdale
Breast Implant Illness (BII) is a term used by patients who experience a range of unexplained symptoms they believe may be related to their breast implants. These symptoms can vary widely—commonly including fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, anxiety, or changes in skin and hair. While BII is not yet officially recognized as a medical diagnosis, the concerns of women who experience these symptoms are real and deserve to be heard.
Dr. Ashley Howarth is a Mayo Clinic–trained, board-certified plastic surgeon who approaches breast implant removal with compassion, honesty, and surgical expertise. She believes in listening without judgment, supporting your goals, and creating a personalized plan that prioritizes both physical and emotional well-being.
What is BII-related Implant Removal?
Implant removal for BII is a highly individualized procedure focused on removing your breast implants and, when appropriate, removing the surrounding capsule tissue. Depending on your anatomy and preferences, Dr. Howarth may also recommend a breast lift to restore shape and balance after removal.
It’s important to note that outcomes vary. Some women report improvement in symptoms after surgery, while others do not. Dr. Howarth does not make any medical claims about symptom resolution—but she does take your concerns seriously and provides thoughtful, evidence-based care every step of the way.
Why Women Choose Implant Removal for BII
Persistent, Unexplained Symptoms
Some women begin to experience symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, or anxiety that have no clear medical explanation. When other diagnoses are ruled out, they may choose to explore implant removal as a way to take back control of their health and wellness.
Desire to Return to a Natural Shape
For some, removing implants feels like a return to themselves. Whether due to a lifestyle change or a deeper shift in personal identity, many women feel empowered by the choice to return to a more natural body—aligned with how they want to live and feel moving forward.
A History of Multiple Surgeries or Complications
Patients who have experienced recurrent issues—such as capsular contracture, ruptures, or revision surgeries—may feel physically and emotionally exhausted by ongoing maintenance. Implant removal offers closure and relief from the cycle of reoperations.
A Decision Rooted in Self-Advocacy
Above all, implant removal for BII is often a decision driven by self-trust. Many women feel unheard or dismissed when describing their symptoms. Choosing removal is an act of advocacy—taking ownership of your body, your story, and your next chapter.
BII Consultation Process
A Thoughtful, One-on-One Conversation
Your consultation is a thoughtful, one-on-one conversation with Dr. Ashley Howarth—focused entirely on your symptoms, surgical history, and the reasons you’re considering implant removal. You’ll have the opportunity to share your concerns openly, discuss how you’re feeling, and ask as many questions as needed. Dr. Howarth will conduct a physical exam, review any available records, and walk you through what the procedure may entail.
There is no pressure, no rush, and no judgment. Whether you are certain about removing your implants or simply gathering information, you’ll be treated with respect, honesty, and compassion.
Dr. Howarth’s role is to support your decision—never to define your experience. She offers medical insight and surgical expertise while respecting that this journey is personal and deeply felt. Together, you’ll determine the safest, most thoughtful next step.
From consultation to confidence
Selecting a Plastic Surgeon with a Commitment to Excellence
Careful Planning
Each procedure is planned around your symptoms, goals, and anatomy. Whether you’re seeking removal alone or considering a lift or fat grafting, Dr. Howarth creates a surgical plan that prioritizes both your aesthetic preferences and your peace of mind.
Surgical Expertise
As a board-certified plastic surgeon trained at Mayo Clinic, Dr. Howarth brings advanced experience in implant removal and breast reshaping. Her technique is meticulous, measured, and rooted in a commitment to safety, clarity, and natural results.
Supportive Recovery
Healing is about more than physical recovery—it’s about feeling seen, supported, and cared for. Dr. Howarth and her team provide detailed aftercare instructions and consistent communication so you never feel alone in the process. From your first visit to your final follow-up, you’ll be guided every step of the way.
Begin Your Transformation
Meet your surgeon
Ashley Lynn Howarth, MD, FACS
Dr. Ashley Howarth is a board-certified plastic surgeon who completed her training in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the Mayo Clinic Arizona. Prior to that, she trained in general surgery at Texas A&M Baylor Scott & White, and earned her medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine. With nine years of combined surgical training, few surgeons possess the level of academic experience as Dr. Howarth.
She has quickly become one of Arizona’s most in-demand plastic surgeons, recognized for her surgical precision, natural aesthetic, and obsession with detail. Her clinical interests include cosmetic surgery of the face, breasts, and body, and she is known for delivering results that are refined, balanced, and thoughtfully executed.
In addition to her surgical practice, Dr. Howarth serves as an Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at Mayo Clinic, where she helps train the next generation of plastic surgeons. She also serves as the youngest board member and Member-at-Large for the Arizona Society of Plastic Surgeons, a leadership role awarded by her peers.
As a working mother of three young boys, Dr. Howarth understands the challenges that women face. Her care is grounded in empathy, honesty, and individualized attention, with the goal of helping every patient feel confident, supported, and beautifully themselves throughout the entire process.
She proudly supports the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale and sponsors their Celebrate Youth Gala each year. She also mentors young women interested in medicine and surgery by offering shadowing opportunities and career guidance, continuing her dedication to helping others grow—both in and out of the operating room.
“My life feels full and wonderful due to this transformation. I’m blessed to have had Dr. Howarth complete my surgery. Don’t wait to love your body and yourself!” – M.A.
How do I know if I have Breast Implant Illness?
There is no definitive test for Breast Implant Illness (BII), and symptoms can vary widely. Many women report fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, anxiety, or changes in skin, sleep, or digestion. If these symptoms have developed after getting implants—and no other medical explanation has been found—some women consider implant removal to see if their symptoms improve.
Does Dr. Howarth see many patients with BII?
Yes. Dr. Howarth regularly cares for women who feel they are experiencing symptoms related to their breast implants. Her approach is always patient-centered and supportive. She listens without judgment, provides clear medical guidance, and performs implant removal with great care for both aesthetic outcome and emotional peace of mind.
Will removing my implants make my symptoms go away?
What does the procedure involve?
Most BII-related implant removals include removal of both implants and, when indicated, the surrounding capsule tissue. In some cases, a lift may also be performed to restore breast shape. Dr. Howarth will help you understand what’s appropriate for your goals and anatomy, and explain every step before moving forward.
Can I have fat grafting instead of implants?
Yes. Some patients choose to replace volume with their own fat, transferred from areas like the abdomen or thighs. Fat grafting can offer a subtle, natural enhancement and is often considered for patients who want to maintain shape after implant removal. Dr. Howarth will let you know if this option is right for you.
How much does BII-related implant removal cost in Scottsdale?
Begin Your Transformation
Explore more
From our Blog