Breast Implant Illness

Breast Implant Illness (BII) describes a collection of systemic symptoms that some women experience after breast augmentation or reconstruction with implants. Unlike capsular contracture, which causes localized breast changes, BII affects the whole body, and the symptoms can be wide-ranging, gradual in onset, and difficult to connect to a single cause. Many women who have it spend years being told nothing is wrong.

BII is not yet formally recognized as an official medical diagnosis in standard classification systems, which is part of why those answers are so hard to find. For women whose symptoms began or worsened after implant placement, and who have not found an alternative explanation, BII may be worth exploring with a specialist who takes the condition seriously.

BII can affect multiple body systems simultaneously. While every patient's experience is different, commonly reported symptoms include:

• Chronic fatigue or persistent low energy
• Brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or memory issues
• Joint or muscle pain
• Skin rashes, dryness, or unexplained sensitivity
• Hair thinning or hair loss
• Anxiety or depression
• Digestive issues or changes in gut function
• Hormonal imbalances
• Heightened sensitivity to light or sound
• Autoimmune-like symptoms without a confirmed autoimmune diagnosis
• Swollen lymph nodes

Symptoms may begin shortly after implant placement or develop years later. For many women, they improve significantly or resolve entirely following explant surgery. If several of these sound familiar, your implants may be worth a closer look, especially if you've already been evaluated by other physicians without a clear answer.

Researchers are still working to fully understand BII, but several contributing factors have been identified. Knowing what may be driving your symptoms can help guide the conversation with your surgeon.

• Immune response to foreign material: The body's ongoing reaction to the implant, whether silicone, saline, or the implant shell, may trigger chronic systemic inflammation in some patients.
• Implant rupture or leakage: Silent rupture of silicone implants can allow gel to migrate beyond the capsule, prompting an immune response.
• Biofilm formation: Bacterial contamination around the implant may contribute to chronic low-grade inflammation.
• Capsular contracture: Hardened scar tissue may intensify the body's reaction to the implant.
• Pre-existing autoimmune conditions: Women with existing autoimmune conditions or sensitivities may be more susceptible to implant-related systemic symptoms.

BII doesn't follow a predictable profile. It has been reported across all implant types, ages, and timeframes. That said, certain factors are more common among women who develop it.

• Pre-existing autoimmune or inflammatory conditions
• Known or suspected implant rupture or leakage
• Implants in place for a long period of time
• History of capsular contracture
• Personal or family history of immune sensitivities

Getting to a BII diagnosis takes a different approach than most conditions, not because your symptoms aren't real, but because the standard classification systems haven't caught up. At The Institute, evaluation starts with your full story: when your implants were placed, what changed, and what you've already ruled out. From there, a thorough workup helps confirm the picture and rule out other explanations.

This may include:

• Detailed medical and implant history: Your surgeon will review when your implants were placed, the type and brand, any known complications, and how your symptoms have evolved over time.
• Physical examination: Assessment of breast and implant condition, lymph nodes, and any other physical findings.
• Laboratory testing: Blood work to rule out thyroid disorders, autoimmune conditions, nutritional deficiencies, or other systemic causes of your symptoms.
• Imaging: MRI is the most sensitive method for detecting silent implant rupture and assessing implant integrity.

At The Institute, we take BII seriously because your symptoms are real, even when standard tests don't explain them. Our surgeons are experienced in evaluating women with complex implant-related presentations and can help you understand your options clearly.

For most women with BII, the path forward starts with one decision: removing the source. Explant surgery, which is a complete removal of the implants and the surrounding capsule, is the primary treatment. For many patients, it's the intervention that finally brings relief after years of searching.

Explant Surgery

Explant surgery removes the breast implants and, in most cases, the surrounding scar tissue capsule (capsulectomy). The surgical approach, whether total capsulectomy or en bloc capsulectomy, is determined based on your individual anatomy, implant condition, and the surgeon's assessment. The goal is the complete removal of all implant materials to eliminate potential sources of ongoing immune activation.

After Explant: Restoration Options

Women who choose explant surgery face a decision about what happens next. Some are comfortable with their natural breast tissue after removal. Others wish to restore breast volume without returning to implants. The Institute offers two primary options:

• No reconstruction: Some women find that their natural breast tissue, combined with any remaining skin elasticity, provides a satisfying result after implant removal. A breast lift (mastopexy) may be performed at the same time to improve contour and position.
• All Me Augmentation™: For women who wish to restore fuller, natural-looking breast volume without implants, All Me Augmentation™ provides a permanent solution using the patient's own abdominal tissue.

Whatever you decide about reconstruction, the goal is the same: getting you to a place where you feel like yourself again.

The Institute participates in a wide range of insurance plans. Coverage for breast implant–related procedures varies by provider, plan, and the specific diagnosis and procedure involved.

Before scheduling an appointment, we recommend contacting your insurance carrier to confirm your coverage. Our insurance specialists are available to help verify your benefits and identify the most coverage available for your care.

Can both silicone and saline implants cause BII?

Yes. BII has been reported in women with both silicone and saline implants. The body may react to any foreign material, regardless of implant type, fill, or brand. Implant age does not appear to determine whether BII develops. If you have implants and are experiencing unexplained symptoms, the type of implant is not a reason to rule BII out.

Why have my doctors not been able to diagnose or explain my symptoms?

Because BII lacks a formal diagnostic classification, standard medical workups often return normal results, leaving patients without answers even when their symptoms are real and significant. Many women spend years seeing multiple specialists before connecting their symptoms to their implants. A surgeon who specializes in implant-related complications is often the first provider to take a comprehensive and meaningful look at the full picture.

Will my symptoms improve after explant surgery?

Many women report meaningful symptom improvement following explant surgery. Some notice changes within days or weeks; others experience a more gradual recovery. Individual outcomes depend on health history, how long symptoms have been present, and other factors. Your surgeon will give you an honest assessment of what to expect based on your specific situation.

Does the entire capsule need to be removed, or just the implants?

For most BII patients, removing the implant along with the surrounding capsule (capsulectomy) is recommended to ensure all foreign material and potential sources of immune activation are fully cleared. The specific surgical approach is determined by your surgeon based on your anatomy and implant condition.

Do I have to replace my implants after removal?

No. Many women choose to have their implants removed without replacement. Others wish to restore breast volume naturally, without returning to any implant, which is precisely what All Me Augmentation™ offers. Your surgeon will help you understand all your options so you can make the decision that is right for you.

How long is recovery after explant surgery?

For explant with capsulectomy alone, most patients return to light activity within two to three weeks. If All Me Augmentation™ or a breast lift is performed at the same time, recovery typically extends to six to eight weeks. Your surgeon will walk you through a full recovery plan before your procedure.