If you’ve spent years feeling unhappy about the size or shape of your breasts, implants can be a godsend. Throughout his career, Dr. Alain Polynice has worked with many patients whose lives have been transformed by breast implant surgery. It truly is a great step toward improving body shape and confidence! – however, Dr. Polynice has also treated those whose bodies have reacted poorly to implants.
It’s called Breast Implant Illness (BII), and though uncommon, it does occur. For some, getting implants can result in inflammation, pain, fatigue, and even hair loss! For this reason, Dr. Polynice also offers implant removal. This simple procedure can reverse the effects of the previous surgery and help you regain control over your health. Below is some information about what causes BII and when removing your implants is a good decision.
What Causes Breast Implant Illness?
The symptoms of this illness are easy to recognize, but their cause remains a mystery. To this day, researchers are still torn about what leads to someone developing BII. However, certain theories have been proposed.
- Breast Implant Illness may be caused by an autoimmune or inflammatory reaction to certain parts of an implant. For example, silicone.
- The illness may be caused by bacteria that grow on the surface of the implant and cause an infection (biofilm infection)
- You can have a reaction to the surgery used to insert the breast implants.
How to Know If You Have Breast Implant Illness
Breast Implant Illness has been reported to have over 50 symptoms, which can vary from person to person. In general, if you have this condition, you can expect to have musculoskeletal issues, cognitive symptoms, and systemic symptoms.
Some of the issues reported by those struggling with BII include:
- Joint pain
- Muscle weakness
- Brain fog
- Chronic pain
- Hair loss
Treatment Options for BII
Dr. Polynice can offer breast implant removal surgery here at Turner Medical Arts. This treatment method is straightforward and can typically provide immediate relief from symptoms. The procedure is fairly standard.
- The doctor will first make an incision around your nipple or under the fold of your breasts.
- The implants will then be removed.
- Any scar tissue surrounding the implant may also be removed (capsulectomy).
- Once completed, the incision will be closed with skin adhesives, stitches, and/or tape.
If you don’t experience immediate relief, it may take anywhere from 1-3 months to return to normal. This is the general range of symptom relief from BII found by the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Learn More About Breast Implant Removal
If you’ve had breast implant surgery in the past and are now experiencing symptoms, don’t wait. At Turner Medical Arts, Dr. Polynice can provide breast implant removal and other surgical services to help you feel healthy and beautiful. Get in touch today by filling out and submitting the form below or giving us a call at (805) 962-1957.
