For most patients, breast augmentation leads to an increased, positive body image. In rare cases, however, breast implants can cause unexplained symptoms such as hair loss, headaches, sleep disorders, muscle pain and other complaints. These non-specific symptoms are summarized under the term "Breast Implant Illness" (BII), also known in German-speaking countries as ASIA syndrome. BII refers to symptoms that occur close to the time of breast implantation but are not directly attributable to the operation. Although a direct connection has not been proven, it cannot currently be ruled out.
Breast implant illness is a complex and sensitive topic that is currently being intensively researched to clarify possible connections and causes. If you suffer from the symptoms mentioned, you can get comprehensive advice from lecturer Dr. Matiasek about how to proceed and possible treatment options.
Overview
Duration:
approx. 3 hours
Anesthesia:
general anesthetic
length of stay:
1 night
Seam Removal:
self dissolving
Healing Duration:
2 weeks, support bra for 6 weeks
How common is Breast Implant Illness?
The exact frequency of Breast Implant Illness (BII) is difficult to determine because specific diagnostic markers are lacking and symptoms are very non-specific. BII, also known as Autoimmune Syndrome Induced by Adjuvants (ASIA), is associated with silicone breast implants and includes symptoms such as chronic fatigue, joint pain, rapid heartbeat, difficulty concentrating, migraines, muscle weakness, numbness and skin rash.
A survey by the Federal Institute for Drugs and Medical Devices (BfArM) found that 46 of the 73 patients surveyed had their implants removed. Of these, 36 reported an improvement in symptoms after removal. Despite the lack of recognition as an official disease by the WHO and other health organizations, the topic is being intensively researched and taken seriously. Affected women should consider a thorough medical examination and consultation if BII is suspected.
Why do breast implants make you sick?
To date, the exact cause of BII has not been conclusively proven, although numerous studies are ongoing on the subject. There are no specific diagnostic markers or official recognition of this condition by the World Health Organization (WHO). Nevertheless, some patients and doctors report relief of symptoms after the implants are removed. However, sufferers are encouraged to report their experiences in order to advance research and potentially better understand the prevalence and causes of BII.
What problems can breast implants cause?
Breast implants can cause a wide range of problems that can occur both immediately after the procedure and years later. The most common symptoms include difficulty concentrating (brain fog), chronic fatigue or a general drop in performance, non-specific chest pain, headaches, hair loss, chills, chronic pain conditions, sensitivity to light, rashes, unpleasant body odor, anxiety, sleep disorders, depressive moods, neurological deficits such as tingling or paralysis, and hormonal fluctuations.
In addition, other problems can arise, including capsular fibrosis, which occurs when the body overreacts to the implant and causes the surrounding tissue to thicken and harden. Another rare but serious complication is breast implant-associated large cell anaplastic lymphoma (BIA-ALCL), a type of cancer, specifically a form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, that spreads primarily in the capsule around the implant. However, BIA-ALCL is not a form of breast cancer, but a separate disease that is usually treatable if diagnosed early.
Diagnosis and treatment of BII
The diagnosis of so-called Breast Implant Illness is based on a careful analysis of the symptoms that occur and a thorough exclusion diagnosis. Since there is no specific medical test procedure for BII, the focus is on a comprehensive examination to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms.
Typically, BII is considered when unexplained symptoms occur after breast implant placement, such as fatigue, muscle pain, brain fog, joint pain, skin problems, or immune disorders. To make the diagnosis, various diagnostic tests are performed to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. These include blood tests, imaging such as MRI or ultrasound, and other specific tests may be necessary depending on the patient's individual complaints.
Treatment options
Removal of breast implants is a possible treatment option for BII. Many patients report an improvement in their symptoms after explantation. Individual therapy depends on the specific symptoms and can include various approaches:
Explantation and capsulectomy
If BII is suspected, complete removal of the breast implants is often recommended. Lecturer Dr. Matiasek performs this operation taking individual circumstances into account. During the procedure, not only the implants but also the surrounding capsule parts are removed to ensure the best possible recovery.
Capsulectomy vs. en bloc explantation / removal
There are discussions about whether the implants and the capsule should be removed en bloc, i.e. completely together. If breast implant illness is suspected, lecturer Dr. Matiasek recommends an en bloc explantation in any case, as this is the only way to completely remove all parts of the capsule. Due to his proven expertise and the high number of cases of en bloc explantation, lecturer Dr. Matiasek is recommended by various self-help groups, such as "Sick from Breast Implants". An en bloc explantation and a CD-30 test should also be carried out in order to rule out breast implant-associated large cell anaplastic lymphoma (BIA-ALCL).
How do you detect breast cancer with implants?
Women with breast implants should regularly examine their breasts themselves and look for changes such as lumps, swelling or skin changes. In addition, regular clinical examinations are important. Mammography is also possible for women with implants, but requires special examination techniques to get the best possible image of the breast tissue. During mammography, four X-rays are usually taken per breast instead of the usual two. Despite these measures, it can happen that the quality of the images is not sufficient and further examinations are required. The safety of the implants during mammography is guaranteed, but there is an extremely small risk of damage to the implants.
BIA-ALCL
Typical symptoms of breast implant-associated large cell anaplastic lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) can include pain, lump formation, sudden swelling or fluid accumulation around the implant. However, it is important to emphasize that these symptoms do not necessarily indicate BIA-ALCL. However, if BIA-ALCL is suspected, further tests are required, such as imaging procedures such as MRI, CT or ultrasound and possibly a biopsy of the affected tissue. All BIA-ALCL cases known to date are associated with coarse-coated (so-called macrotextured) implants. No BIA-ALCL cases are known with micro- or nanotextured implants (e.g. implants from Motiva).
What percentage of women have breast implants?
According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), around 1.5 million women worldwide opt for breast augmentation. However, the exact number of women who become ill as a result of breast implants is difficult to determine and the number of unreported cases could be high.
What are the risks of breast implants?
Breast implants have evolved and improved over the years, but as with any surgical procedure, there are risks. Potential complications include unexpected bleeding, infection and anesthesia problems. Although the latest generation of cohesive gel implants are safer than previous models, the risk of complications remains.
The insertion of breast implants involves general surgical risks such as bleeding, infections and anesthesia problems. In addition, the body can react to the implant as a foreign body, which can lead to rejection reactions. However, the use of high-quality, certified implants, such as those used by lecturer Dr. Matiasek, can significantly reduce the risk.
capsular contracture
Capsular fibrosis is a common complication in which tissue hardens around the implant. In some patients, the body may overreact, leading to thickening and hardening. However, modern implants and thorough aftercare can reduce the risk. If capsular fibrosis occurs, it is often necessary to replace or remove the implant. However, the latest generations of implants show a significantly lower tendency towards capsular fibrosis compared to earlier models.
Twisting or slipping of the implants
Twisting or slipping of the implants can occur under certain circumstances and lead to visible changes in the breast, which can be concerning for patients. However, these deformations can be significantly reduced, especially by using the latest high-quality implants, which tend to hold themselves better in their position.
Expired implants / cheap implants
An alarming example of the consequences of leaked or substandard implants is the PIP scandal. In this case, the French manufacturer filled its implants with substandard silicone, which led to cracks and significant health risks for affected patients. Such tragic events underline the importance of strict quality controls and certifications in implant manufacturing.
Implant cracks
Implant rupture is another potential complication, but one that modern implants are better able to manage. Modern implants are filled with a silicone cohesive gel that maintains its shape even if the shell ruptures. Alternatively, implants that use sterile saline as a filling material pose less of a risk. The improved shells of modern implants also help to minimize the risk of rupture, thereby reducing potential health risks for patients.
Can I have a new breast implant inserted after the implant has been removed?
The decision for or against new breast implants after implant removal is individual and requires careful consideration of the risks and benefits. Some women experience a significant improvement in their symptoms that they associated with the implants after implant removal. This decision is often influenced by the patient's experiences and concerns.
For women who still desire breast augmentation after having their implants removed, re-implantation may be an option. However, it is important to be aware that any surgery carries risks. When removing the implants, lecturer Dr. Matiasek usually also removes the surrounding capsule to minimize potential complications.
When deciding on new implants, it is important to get thorough advice from an experienced doctor such as lecturer Dr. Matiasek. Lecturer Dr. Matiasek assesses the patient's individual situation and explains all risks and possible complications. It should also be noted that re-implantation is not always possible or advisable, especially if the reasons for the previous removal were related to health concerns. Alternatively, the breasts can be enlarged using the patient's own fat.
How much does it cost to remove a breast implant?
The costs for removing a breast implant vary depending on the extent of the procedure. During a detailed consultation, lecturer Dr. Matiasek can create an individual cost plan and explain various financing options to you. This is also an opportunity to discuss your personal complaints. Lecturer Dr. Matiasek takes enough time for your concerns and can inform you about the further necessary steps for treating breast implant illness.
