Breast Implant Illness

in Phoenix & Chandler, AZ

If you suspect you are suffering from Breast Implant Illness (also known as BII), we recommend visiting our office for an evaluation so we can create a treatment plan that swiftly resolves your issue and restores your bust.

Find Relief from Breast Implant Illness

at Elite Plastic Surgery in Chandler

Breast implant illness (BII)—sometimes also referred to as breast implant sickness—is a term used to refer to a wide range of symptoms that can develop after breast reconstruction or breast augmentation with breast implants. Breast implant illness or breast implant sickness can develop with any type of breast implant, such as saline or silicone gel-filled, smooth or textured surface, and round or teardrop-shaped. It can begin with symptoms that involve relatively mild discomfort or cosmetic dissatisfaction, but if left untreated, breast implant illness can become a much more serious concern.

The surgical experts at Elite Plastic Surgery have extensive experience with breast implant removal, revision, and reconstruction. Our board-certified plastic surgeons can help you chart a course to relief and work with you to develop a treatment plan that will see you restoring your breast augmentation or simply removing the implants if this is what you would prefer. To learn more about how we can help you with breast implant illness, reach out to our Phoenix or Chandler offices and set up your initial consultation. We’ll be excited to learn more about how we can help resolve your issues.

Breast Implant Illness Symptoms

Breast implant illness can present with a number of different symptoms and affects each individual in a unique way. Some of the symptoms caused by breast implant illness can include the following:

The Causes of Breast Implant Illness

Researchers don’t know why some women with breast implants develop BII. According to experts, a leading theory is that some individuals are predisposed to having an immune reaction to the materials used to construct breast implants, creating inflammation that leads to symptoms such as joint and muscle pain, rashes, and gastrointestinal problems.

Recent studies also suggest that silicone breast implants potentially raise your risk of developing autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome, scleroderma, and sarcoidosis. However, experts think the evidence isn’t strong enough to conclusively show the link between breast implants and autoimmune disease.

How Symptoms Develop

The symptoms of breast implant illness can sometimes occur after implant placement, while in other cases, it may take them years to develop. Many symptoms can be associated with connective tissue and autoimmune disorders such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Scleroderma, and Lupus. We have evaluated some individuals with BII who also get diagnosed with a specific autoimmune or connective tissue disorder, but not always. When you visit our Phoenix or Chandler offices to talk about breast implant illness treatment, we’ll do our best to determine the specific cause of your issues and help you find the relief you deserve.

Understanding BIA-ALCL

Scar Tissues

Sometimes, a rare but treatable form of lymphoma that usually stays within the scar tissue around the implant develops. This rare form of cancer is called Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) At Elite Plastic Surgery, we have treated patients with BII because their symptoms interfere with their ability to function.

Implant Removal

Currently, there are no diagnostic tests to diagnose BII because it’s still not an official medical diagnosis. In many situations, surgery to remove the breast implants improves or eliminates symptoms of BII in the long term. Clinical trials are underway to improve our understanding of this disorder in order to diagnose and treat patients appropriately.

Schedule a Consultation

En Bloc Capsulectomy

At Elite Plastic Surgery, we recommend a procedure called “en bloc capsulectomy.” This procedure involves the removal of the implant and scar tissue capsule in one piece. This can prevent silicone, biofilm (colonies of bacteria that stick to each other and the implant), or other substances that are within the capsule from escaping into the body.

Our doctors recommend maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle and managing stress after your implant removal surgery for BII. These steps can promote healing and decrease the inflammation in the body that can be associated with BII. We’ll also provide you with a clear set of aftercare instructions that will help you rest and recover comfortably.

In addition to addressing the pain and discomfort that can come with breast implant illness, breast revision surgery also gives you the opportunity to restore the cosmetic results to which you were initially looking forward. For these reasons, we recommend trusting your surgery to the experienced surgeons at Elite Plastic Surgery.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

Breast implant illness can be a frustrating and concerning situation. The expert surgeons at Elite Plastic Surgery have extensive experience treating this issue and can help you by restoring your bust and your sense of peace of mind in equal measure. We’re also pleased to offer our patients a full suite of advanced wellness treatment options that can make your recovery process even more tolerable and effective.

At Elite Plastic Surgery, our team will discuss the risks and benefits of the various surgical treatment approaches. If you want to learn more about breast implant illness or talk with our board-certified plastic surgeons, Dr. Rozbeh Torabi and Dr. Radbeh Torabi, about any BII symptoms you may be experiencing, simply schedule a consultation at Elite Plastic Surgery today.