Houston, TX
Authored by: Dr. Sam Sukkar, MD on July 8th, 2025
Many people in Houston, TX choose breast implants for personal or medical reasons, but there are risks that come with the decision. One of the possible problems is called breast implant illness (BII), which includes symptoms like feeling tired, having joint pain, brain fog, and even rashes. Understanding the risks of breast implant illness can help people in Houston make safer choices and avoid long-term health problems.
Doctors are still learning what causes BII, but the main treatment is removing the implants. Some patients feel better soon after this step. Knowing the risks, early signs, and ways to protect your health is important before and after getting breast implants.
Breast implant illness (BII) is a term used for a range of symptoms reported by some people with breast implants. These symptoms don’t always appear right away and often include fatigue, joint pain, and memory issues.
BII is not an official medical diagnosis, but it is recognized by many doctors and patients. It refers to a group of physical and mental symptoms that some people experience after getting breast implant surgery. Common issues include tiredness, muscle or joint pain, “brain fog,” rashes, and hair loss.
Doctors often diagnose BII by ruling out other medical problems first, since many symptoms could also be caused by different conditions. This makes it hard for both patients and doctors to know if breast implants are the true cause.
Symptoms may be linked to an autoimmune or inflammatory response. Some experts believe silicone, saline, or even bacteria on the implant surface could trigger these problems in certain people.
Breast implant illness has been reported after both cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries. Both silicone and saline-filled breast implants have been linked to BII symptoms. The outer shell of the implant, often made from silicone, appears to play a role regardless of the type of filling used.
Implants can vary by texture (smooth or textured), shape, and size. Symptoms have been reported with all kinds, including smooth or textured, round or teardrop styles. Both older and newer models have been connected to BII complaints, and cases have occurred no matter the reason for surgery, breast augmentation or breast cancer reconstruction.
Experts do not believe any single type of implant is immune to these issues. The BAAPS and other medical organizations state that BII can happen with any brand, style, or material, although it seems to affect only a small proportion of patients.
BII can cause a mix of physical and mental symptoms. These can appear soon after surgery or develop years later, leading to frustration and confusion for many people.
Many people with BII report chronic fatigue that does not improve with rest. This tiredness is often deep and makes daily tasks feel overwhelming. Muscle pain can occur alongside fatigue, with patients describing aches, weakness, or soreness that move around the body.
Joint pain is also common and can make movement more difficult. Some may feel as if they have the flu most of the time. Swelling of the joints or other body parts can also show up and make the discomfort worse. These ongoing symptoms may be mistaken for other conditions, which can delay proper care.
Brain fog is a frequent and often frustrating symptom of BII. People notice trouble focusing, forgetfulness, and slower thinking. These changes in mental clarity can affect work, home life, and relationships. Mood problems, such as depression and anxiety, often go hand in hand with BII. Some also experience sudden mood swings that make it hard to control their feelings.
BII can cause a range of skin and hair issues. Skin rashes are reported by many, sometimes appearing as red, itchy patches that come and go. These rashes may be hard to link directly to the implants and can affect different parts of the body.
Hair loss is another concern. Some notice thinning hair or bald spots that were not present before getting implants. These changes can lower self-esteem and lead to more emotional stress.
Other systemic symptoms linked with BII include headaches, frequent dizziness, and problems with the digestive system like nausea, bloating, or other gastrointestinal issues.
Some people develop signs similar to those seen in autoimmune diseases, such as ongoing pain, fever, or dry mouth and eyes. The pattern of symptoms and how severe they are may be different for each person.
Breast implants come with several possible risks that affect both health and appearance. Complications can develop soon after surgery or years later and may need extra treatment.
Capsular contracture happens when the body forms a layer of scar tissue, or capsule, around the implant. Sometimes this scar tightens and squeezes the implant, leading to pain, stiffness, or changes in the shape of the breast.
People may notice their breasts feel hard or look uneven. This complication is one of the most common problems with breast implants and sometimes requires surgery, like a capsulectomy, to fix it.
Implant rupture means the implant shell has broken. If a saline implant ruptures, the saltwater leaks out and the breast deflates quickly, making it easy to spot. Silicone breast implants can rupture too, but the silicone may stay inside the scar tissue capsule, causing a “silent rupture” that is harder to notice.
People may not feel pain or see changes right away with silent ruptures. Over time, though, the breast may become uneven, firm, or uncomfortable.
Regular screenings like ultrasound or MRI are often recommended to check for silent ruptures in silicone gel implants. Ruptures may need surgery to remove or replace the implant. The risk can depend on age of the implant and the materials used.
Breast implant infections are possible after surgery. Symptoms include redness, swelling, warmth, and pain that usually appear within a few days or weeks. Severe infections may need removal of the implant or treatment with antibiotics.
Fluid buildup, also called seroma, can also develop around the implant. It may cause swelling and discomfort. Treatment can involve draining the fluid or, in rare cases, removing the implant.
Connecting tissue diseases and immune reactions like mast cell activation syndrome are still being studied as possible risks linked to breast implants. Regular follow-up with a doctor is important for anyone with breast implants.
Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) is a rare type of cancer. It is most connected to textured breast implants and can show up many years after surgery.
Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a rare cancer of the immune system. When linked to breast implants, it is known as BIA-ALCL. This cancer most often develops in the scar tissue and fluid around the implant, not in the breast tissue itself.
Textured implants have the strongest link to BIA-ALCL. The rough surface may trigger chronic inflammation in the body. This can raise the risk for certain immune system cancers, like ALCL, to develop near the implant. It is important to know that BIA-ALCL is not the same as regular breast cancer. It is a lymphoma and needs different treatment.
Unlike more common problems, such as implant rupture or capsular contracture, BIA-ALCL is much less frequent. However, it can become serious if not found and treated early.
Patients with textured silicone or saline breast implants are most at risk for BIA-ALCL. The risk is much lower for those who have only smooth implants. Both silicone and saline-filled implants with textured surfaces carry the risk.
Main risk factors include:
BIA-ALCL has been reported in both cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries. The disease does not seem more common in one group over the other. Cases have been seen worldwide, but overall, it is still considered rare.
The first symptom is usually swelling of one breast, often many years after getting the implant. Other signs may include pain, a lump, breast asymmetry, or a sudden change in breast shape. Fluid around the implant, called a seroma, is seen in about 80% of cases.
When symptoms appear, doctors may use ultrasound or MRI to find fluid or a mass around the implant. If fluid is found, it is sampled and checked for cancer cells.
If BIA-ALCL is confirmed, treatment usually means removing the implant and the surrounding scar capsule. Most cases found early do not require chemotherapy. Patients should have regular check-ups, especially if they have textured implants.
Recognizing breast implant illness (BII) can be difficult because the symptoms are wide-ranging and not unique to this condition. A careful approach is needed to rule out other causes and to decide if implant removal is necessary.
There is no official or universally agreed-upon test or diagnostic criteria for BII. Doctors usually diagnose BII by looking at a patient’s symptoms, medical history, and by ruling out other diseases. Commonly reported symptoms include fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, hair loss, and rashes.
Most healthcare providers use a “diagnosis of exclusion” approach, meaning they check for other possible illnesses first. There is not a simple blood test or marker that proves BII. Diagnosis is based on documented symptoms, time of onset after getting implants, and improvement after removal in some cases.
A complete medical workup is important for anyone who may have BII. This usually includes a physical exam, blood tests to check for autoimmune diseases, and sometimes hormone panels. Doctors use these tests to rule out conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or thyroid problems.
Imaging, such as ultrasound or MRI, is not used to diagnose BII but can help detect complications with the breast implants themselves. For example, MRI can show if there has been a silent rupture of a silicone implant or other issues such as capsular contracture. These tests are mostly used if there is pain, swelling, or a change in the breast’s appearance.
Treatment for breast implant illness focuses on removing the triggers and supporting symptom relief. Most people see the best improvement after implant removal, but some also need supportive care for ongoing symptoms.
Surgical treatment usually means removing the breast implants. This is called explantation. Most patients who have their implants taken out report feeling better and notice their chronic symptoms lessen or completely go away.
A board-certified plastic surgeon should perform this surgery. The plastic surgeon will carefully plan the removal to lower risks and help healing. Some patients need only implant removal, while others benefit from also taking out the surrounding scar tissue.
According to studies, almost 90% of patients feel significant improvement after surgery. Sometimes, antibiotics are given if infection is suspected. After explantation, many symptoms, like fatigue, joint pain, and brain fog, improve for most people.
En bloc capsulectomy is a specific surgical method where the implant and capsule (the scar tissue around the implant) are taken out together as one piece. This is often done if there is concern over implant rupture or leaking materials. The goal is to remove all tissue that might cause inflammation or reactions.
This technique can lower the chances of leaving behind any substances or cells that may be linked to ongoing symptoms. Many patients seeking correction for breast implant illness ask for en bloc removal, especially if they have had chronic symptoms for a long time.
Patients can lower their chances of breast implant illness by making informed choices before surgery, working with the right medical team, and taking care of their overall health. The following strategies focus on what people can do before, during, and after a breast implant procedure to help prevent problems.
Selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon is one of the most important steps for patient safety. Board-certification means the surgeon has received advanced training and passed exams in plastic surgery. Experience with breast implant procedures can lead to better results and fewer problems after surgery.
Patients should look for surgeons who use sterile, “no-touch” techniques, which may reduce the risk of bacteria and inflammation around the implant. This can lower the risk of developing breast implant illness.
Meeting with the surgeon in person allows patients to ask how many similar surgeries the doctor has performed. They should also check if the surgeon’s practice follows safety protocols and stays updated with best practices in cosmetic surgery.
Checklist for Choosing a Surgeon:
Good preoperative counseling is essential for anyone thinking about breast implants. Patients should talk honestly with their plastic surgeon about the risks, complications, and possible symptoms of BII like fatigue, joint pain, and brain fog. Patients should also ask about the chances they may need additional surgery later on.
A trusted doctor will support patient advocacy by making sure each person’s needs and health history are considered. Using visual aids or pamphlets can help patients learn about the benefits and risks of different implant options.
Patients should also discuss their personal and family history of autoimmune diseases or other medical conditions. This can help the surgeon decide if implants are a safe option or if another cosmetic approach would be better for them.
Certain lifestyle changes can help improve healing and reduce the chance of complications after surgery. Patients are encouraged to avoid smoking, manage stress, and keep up a balanced diet rich in vitamins and protein. These steps help build a stronger immune system before and after surgery.
Regular checkups are important to monitor for early signs of problems. Patients should report any new symptoms such as persistent tiredness or unexplained pain. Routine imaging like MRI or ultrasound may also be advised for some types of implants.
Physical activity should be resumed slowly after surgery, following the plastic surgeon’s advice. By practicing healthy habits, patients can better support their bodies and lower the risk of issues like chronic inflammation or infections.
People who have their breast implants removed often want to know what to expect next. Many experience changes in symptoms and daily routines, and the right steps can help support health after surgery.
Most people have a smoother recovery from implant removal than from their original augmentation surgery. It’s common to feel some soreness, swelling, or tightness for several weeks. The use of pain medications, cold compresses, and supportive bras can help manage these side effects.
Research indicates that many individuals with chronic symptoms related to breast implant illness see a significant improvement after explant surgery. Improvements can include less fatigue, less joint pain, and sharper thinking. Most of these positive changes begin in the first month after surgery and may continue over time.
Some symptoms can linger, especially if they began before the implants were placed or are linked to other health issues. Regular follow-ups with a doctor are important to check on healing and to address any ongoing signs or concerns.
Long-term wellness after implant removal largely depends on adopting healthy routines and monitoring any returning symptoms. Key strategies include:
Tracking symptoms in a daily journal may help spot patterns, especially if chronic symptoms reappear. Annual check-ups with a healthcare provider offer a chance to discuss any new concerns or lingering health effects.
For anyone seeking prevention, avoiding smoke, limiting alcohol, and practicing good wound care can all support healing and minimize other risks. Each person’s recovery and long-term outcome will be a little different, but most benefit from steady, gentle lifestyle changes.
Symptoms can include breast pain, tightness, swelling, changes in shape or size, numbness, or signs of infection like redness or fever. Some women also report fatigue, joint pain, or brain fog, which may be linked to breast implant illness.
To lower the risk, choose a board-certified plastic surgeon, follow all post-op care instructions, and schedule regular checkups. Monitoring your health and reporting any unusual symptoms early can also help prevent serious complications.
Insurance may cover implant-related issues if they’re considered medically necessary, especially for reconstructive surgery or confirmed complications like rupture or ALCL. Cosmetic implant issues are usually not covered, so it’s important to check your specific policy.
While implants can last 10 to 20 years, they should be replaced if problems occur, such as rupture, hardening, or patient preference for size or shape changes. Regular imaging and checkups help determine if replacement is needed.
Breast implant illness (BII) remains a complex and often misunderstood condition, but awareness is growing. While not formally recognized as a medical diagnosis, many people with breast implants report symptoms like fatigue, joint pain, memory issues, and skin changes that significantly impact their quality of life. Understanding the full scope of risks, from capsular contracture to rare cases of BIA-ALCL, can help patients make more informed choices before and after surgery.
The most effective solution for BII symptoms is often surgical removal of the implants, especially when paired with en bloc capsulectomy. Most patients who undergo explant surgery report noticeable relief. The key to minimizing risk lies in proper surgeon selection, informed decision-making, and attentive aftercare. For those already affected, healing is possible, and for those considering implants, preparation and awareness are vital.
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