Breast Implant Safety Alliance (BISA) News
Reversing Breast Implant Illness
Breast Implant Illness Symptoms
Summary:
- Breast Implant Illness (BII) Is Real, with diverse symptoms affecting thousands of women based on their unique susceptibilities.
- Some women are not good candidates for breast implants, most likely based on genetic factors.
- Patients deserve full and accurate disclosure of the risks of implants before surgery.
- Literature appears to discredit patients, attempts to confuse doctors, and is written to protect implant manufacturers from liability, obscuring their previous knowledge of risks of implants.
- No implant lasts indefinitely, all implants will eventually come with a decision to explant.
- Implants can affect health, finances, and family for many years to come.
Breast Implant Illness Articles
The Ripple Effect – Owning my Disability Story and Advocating for Justice
I was honored to be a speaker at the Breast Implant Illness Summit 2024 sharing my story of healing and hope to empower other women, their medical teams, and their families.
I’m often told that I’m not ‘disabled’ because I’m not incapable, incompetent, or any other in-. No, I’m not any of those, but I do have Breast Implant Illness – a chronic illness that I was forced to hide for far too long due to the stigma and bias. Another engineering faculty challenged me to own my disability story to support our students, faculty, and colleagues with disabilities. Thank you, Kelly T!!
Disability runs across all other identities and is the only minority group that anyone can join, at any time, through illness, injury, accident or aging. “We are your friends. We are your family. We are your colleagues. We are you, potentially one day.” -Jamie Shields at Disabled by Society (link opens in new tab)
I am a frequent presenter on disability inclusion, the challenges of disclosure, and equitable access to STEM and Medicine (STEMM). I only recently decided to share the backstory on my own long journey with BII following my mastectomy and reconstruction with recalled textured saline implants.
I hope that sharing my story empowers women to seek the support they need, because we are not alone, and OUR STORIES MATTER.
Jennifer Cook – Director of BIA-ALCL Advocacy at Breast Implant Safety Alliance
Jennifer shared her story at the Breast Implant Illness Summit 2024, as well. Jennifer is the Director of BIA-ALCL Advocacy at the Breast Implant Safety Alliance (BISA) (link opens in new tab). My doctor asked for a copy of Jennifer’s and my interviews to share with colleagues as the human face of BII and BIA-xxx cancers. Summit host Sarah Phillipe gave permission to host our videos here, as well, because, to quote BISA, Knowledge is Beautiful and Not Our Daughters.
The Breast Implant Illness (BII) Summit was hosted by advocacy powerhouses Sarah Phillipe and Danielle Valoras. Sarah and Danielle have personal experience with BII and have guided hundreds of women to hope, healing, and wholeness on their own journeys. At the Summit, they were joined by the top researchers, doctors, functional medicine providers, advocates and allies in the field to empower women to navigate our own healing journeys.
Even if you have never had breast implants, there is something for everyone in the Summit! Anyone who has ever had surgery, an injury, or scar will find the talks on fascia, scar therapy and functional approaches fascinating. Anyone with childhood, adult, or medical trauma or a significant injury or illness will learn practical approaches to healing and restoration.
There is critical information for women to consider BEFORE explant surgery including choosing a surgeon, the type of explant surgery, preparing your body, and special considerations to optimize healing.
The Breast Implant Illness Summit aired for free from August 18-23, 2024, but will still be available to purchase lifetime access until the next summit in 2025.
Breast Implant Illness Summit 2024 – Schedule and Presenters (affiliate link – opens in new tab) [...]
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Registered Nurse and Breast Implant Illness Survivor, Sarah Phillipe, shares in her YouTube video how BII is not JUST about the breast implants!
Sarah Phillipe, of Reversing Breast Implant Illness, shares how breast implants are a contributing factor to Breast Implant Illness (BII). As Sarah explains, however, breast implants are not likely the one and only cause of BII symptoms.
Like the analogy of the three legged stool, breast implants can be one leg or contributing factor. However, breast implants alone are generally only a piece of the puzzle that is Breast Implant Illness.
We all have individual stories with the common factor of breast implants. We all arrived at this point in our lives with different exposures to mental and emotional stressors, physical stressors, and chemical or toxic exposures.
For some women, breast implants can be the last drop that overflows our body’s bucket of toxicity. For others, breast implants can be the trigger that starts an autoimmune response and develops into BII over time. Sarah cautions about assuming that breast implants are the sole cause of our current health crisis. While explant surgery is an excellent choice, it might not be the miracle that brings about total healing.
I am one of the women who has not had a miracle turnaround following explant. I found the following video to be encouraging, however. It is a reminder to be kind to ourselves in the process.
Be empowered! You are not alone!
Sarah has appeared on numerous podcasts and conferences. Check out the full list at BII Resources – Reversing Breast Implant Illness.
Sarah Phillipe of Reversing Breast Implant Illness
Additional Medical Device Cancers
An interesting article that discusses additional medical devices known to cause cancer is An Update on Implant-Associated Malignancies and Their Biocompatability.
Abstract: Implanted medical devices are widely used across various medical specialties for numerousapplications, ranging from cardiovascular supports to orthopedic prostheses and cosmetic enhancements.However, recent observations have raised concerns about the potential of these implants toinduce malignancies in the tissues surrounding them. There have been several case reports documentingthe occurrence of cancers adjacent to these devices, prompting a closer examination of theirsafety. This review delves into the epidemiology, clinical presentations, pathological findings, andhypothesized mechanisms of carcinogenesis related to implanted devices. It also explores how thesurgical domain and the intrinsic properties and biocompatibility of the implants might influencethe development of these rare but serious malignancies. Understanding these associations is crucialfor assessing the risks associated with the use of medical implants, and for developing strategies tomitigate potential adverse outcomes.
Keane Tahmaseb, G. C., Keane, A. M., Foppiani, J. A., & Myckatyn, T. M. (2024). An update on implant-associated malignancies and their biocompatability. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(4653). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25094653 [...]
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Breast Implant Illness symptoms (BII) can be sneaky and confusing for women and their doctors. You may have been brushed off by your doctor or told that your illness is “all in your head”. Symptoms likely appear gradually over time, not immediately after getting breast implants. Breast Implant Illness symptoms can mimic other illnesses and be difficult to diagnose. Medical literature still refuses to acknowledge Breast Implant Illness as a diagnosis and often belittles the patient.
The search for answers can be tiring and expensive, but be persistent. Track your symptoms and keep copies of all medical testing. Stand up for yourself, and keep searching. There are more medical professionals interested in Breast Implant Illness every day. You are not alone!
Summary:
Breast Implant Illness (BII) Is Real, with diverse symptoms affecting thousands of women based on their unique susceptibilities.Some women are not good candidates for breast implants, most likely based on genetic factors.Patients deserve full and accurate disclosure of the risks of implants before surgery.Literature appears to discredit patients, attempts to confuse doctors, and is written to protect implant manufacturers from liability, obscuring their previous knowledge of risks of implants.No implant lasts indefinitely. All implants will eventually come with a decision to explant.Implants can affect health, finances, and family for many years to come.
The following is a list of symptoms associated with
Breast Implant Illness reported by patients and doctors:
Autoimmune
Formation of
autoantibodiesCommon autoimmune
symptoms or diagnoses: Rheumatoid arthritis LupusSjörgen’s syndromeRaynaud’s syndromeGraves diseaseHashimoto’s thyroiditisSclerodermaMultiple sclerosisUlcerative colitis Crohn’s disease
Ear, Nose, and Throat
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)Sensitivity to soundVertigoOff-balanceDizzinessMetallic taste in
the mouthDry mouthOral thrush (white
tongue)Smell or chemical
sensitivitiesThroat clearingCoughDifficulty
swallowingChoking feeling
Emotional
Mood swingsEmotional
instabilityAnxietyPanic attacksDepressionSuicidal thoughtsFeeling
like you are dying
Endocrine System
Hypo (underactive)
/hyper (overactive) thyroid symptomsHypo (underactive)
/hyper (overactive) adrenal symptomsAdrenal
insufficiencyAnti-diuretic
Hormone (ADH) imbalanceEstrogen/progesterone
imbalance
Extremities
Tingling or numbness
in the arms and legsCold and discolored
hands and feet Muscle twitching
Gastrointestinal
System / Digestive
Gastrointestinal and digestive issuesSudden food intolerances and food allergiesGas and bloatingDysbiosisIntestinal permeability (Leaky gut)Malabsorption of nutrients and/or medication HeartburnGERD
Heart / Lungs
Heart palpitationsHeart pain Cardiac arrhythmiasChest Pains/BurningShortness of breathAir hunger or
hyperventilatingCough
Immune System / Infectious Diseases
New or persistent
infections – viral, bacterial, and/or fungal (candida)Recurring sinus
infectionsYeast infectionsUrinary tract
infectionsSymptoms or
diagnosis of Lyme Disease
Metabolic / Systemic
Fatigue or chronic
fatigueMuscle aches, pain,
and weaknessJoint pain and
soreness Bone painSwollen and tender
lymph nodes in the breast area, underarms, throat, neck, or groinFoul body odorFevers and/or chillsDehydrationChronic neck and
back painPhotosensitivityBurning pain around
the chest wall or breastsSymptoms or
diagnosis of fibromyalgiaChronic inflammationWeight gain or
weight lossEasy bruising and
slow healing of woundsTemperature
intoleranceSlow muscle recovery
after activityLiver and kidney
dysfunction
Neurological / Brain
Cognitive dysfunctionBrain fogDifficulty concentratingWord retrievalMemory lossHeadaches and migrainesSeizures
Sexual/Reproductive
Frequent urinationLow libidoEstrogen/progesterone
imbalance Diminishing hormones
Early menopause
Skin / Hair / Nails
DermatomyositisSkin cancerHair lossDry skinDry hairSkin rashes Nail changes
(cracking, splitting, slow growth, etc.)Skin frecklingPigmentation changes
(darkening or white spots)Increase in papules
(flesh colored raised bumps)Moles and red molesPremature aging
Sleep
Night sweatsInsomnia (inability
to fall asleep)Frequent awakening
Vision
Decline in visionVision disturbances
or blurry visionDry eyesSjörgen’s syndromeEdema (swelling)
around eyesSensitivity to light
https://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/fulltext/2019/03001/Breast_Implant_Illness__A_Way_Forward.12.aspx#pdf-link
(Magnusson, Cooter, Rakhorst, McGuire, Adams, Jr., and Deva 2019).
Take notes! Track your own Breast Implant Illness symptoms over time and be sure to keep a copy of any medical tests results. Often you can find blood test results in online medical portals for your doctor. If not, ask for a copy! Make sure that everyone on your medical team is reminded regularly that you have breast implants. They forget, and we forget to remind them.
Take heart! You are not alone, even when it feels that way. For whatever reason you have breast implants, BII is not your fault! There are more and more medical professionals every day who understand that a wide variety of symptoms can be traced to Breast Implant Illness.
Take action! You can begin to research breast explant options. If you have textured saline or silicone implants, check to be see if yours were recalled (Allergan/McGhan Textured Breast Implant Recall). If you do not know what type you have, contact your implanting surgeon’s office as soon as possible. They often only retain records for 7 years. You can also contact an attorney handling BIA-ALCL and BII cases.
Please share this list with the women (and men) in your life who have breast implants. Even if they do not currently have breast implant illness symptoms, they deserve to be informed and aware.
I am not a doctor, and I do not work with insurance companies, but I will link to doctors and insurance navigators. The information on this website has been carefully chosen from reputable sources. The purpose of this website is not to scare or intimidate any women with existing implants or those considering implants. We are here to provide quality information and help you make the best-informed decisions for your long-term health, finances, and family.
References
BreastImplantIllness.com About Breast Implant Illness. Retrieved July 25, 2019, from https://www.breastimplantillness.com/symptoms/Breast Implant Victim Advocacy. Home page. Retrieved July 25, 2019, from http://www.breastimplantvictimadvocacy.com/home.htmlBremen, V. & MedNews. (February 15, 2019). Breast Implants Associated with Host of Illnesses. Retrieved July 26, 2019, from https://mednews365.com/breast-implants-associated-with-host-of-illnesses/?fbclid=IwAR2a6Sk8wR4GtZSCmv2aHFPXp4yD3kfjfmdg6vylDLx7QnH1cRVt1RxG2gcCuellar, M. L., Gluck, O., Molina, J. F., Gutierrez, S., Garcia, C., and Espinoza, R. (1995). Silicone breast implant-associated musculoskeletal manifestations. Clinical Rheumatology, 14(6), 667-72.DiscoverBreastImplantIllness.com Retrieved July 25, 2019 from https://www.discoverbreastimplantillness.com/symptoms-and-educationMagnusson, M. R., Cooter, R. D., Rakhorst, H., McGuire, P. A., Adams, Jr., W. P., & Deva, A. K. (2019). Breast Implant Illness: A way forward. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, 143(3S), 74-81. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000005573 [...]
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Whether you are having a mastectomy, reconstruction, breast implants for any reason, or explant surgery, choosing a board-certified surgeon carefully can impact the rest of your life. The decision to have surgery is emotional, physical, and financial. Before deciding on which surgeon to entrust with your body, do your homework, ask questions, and take your time to get reliable answers. It is important to consider both the surgeon’s qualifications and experience, but also understand the possible surgical options.
Board Certification
According
to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), choosing a board-certified
plastic surgeon is critical, no matter what country you choose for surgery. The
Trust ASPS campaign shares the importance of thorough researching your surgical
options and choosing a qualified plastic surgeon for the safest outcomes (ASPS,
2019). Both the ASPS and The American Board of Plastic Surgery provides a
physician locator at their websites. In
Europe, check the European Board of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic
Surgery (EBOPRAS) website for further information.
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) – also includes an international listing (https://find.plasticsurgery.org/)American Board of Plastic Surgery (https://www.abplasticsurgery.org/ModDefault?section=SurgeonSearch)Certification Matters – a grouping of multiple surgical specialties https://www.certificationmatters.org/European Board of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (EBOPRAS) http://www.ebopras.org/index.phpThere is also a comprehensive international list of explant surgeons recommended by other patients and carefully vetted by the authors at the Breast Implant Illness website https://www.breastimplantillness.com/explant-surgeons/
Breast Explant Surgeons
Communicate BEFORE surgery
Surgeons who believe in Breast Implant Illness (BII) and understand that implant removal can cause serious health complications will be more attentive to your wishes and careful during explant.
Get the entire surgical plan in writing and read it carefully. Check references and talk to former patients.Read their website, patient literature, and fine print.Ask the right questions (risks, benefits, insurance, procedure, testing for BIA-ALCL, legal chain of custody, etc.).Keep asking questions until you get answers, even if the surgeon and staff become annoyed. Speak to an attorney before surgery to ensure that all procedures, paperwork, and testing is done properly.If you feel uncomfortable about any aspect of the surgery, go elsewhere.
There
are numerous horror stories on the Internet of women who thought they were
having a total capsulectomy only to find out later that the surgeon drained the
implant first or left part of the capsule.
One blogger is faced with her third surgery (paying out of pocket) to
remove pieces of the capsule left behind by her surgeon.
En Bloc and Insurance
There is a much smaller pool of surgeons with the training, expertise, and experience to properly do an En Bloc implant removal. Although many websites state that these surgeons do not take insurance, this is not necessarily true. My surgeons at Midwest Breast and Aesthetic Surgery in Columbus, Ohio, take many insurance plans and are experts in En Bloc surgery. Refer to the list at Breast Implant Illness website, which despite some disgruntled doctors’ complaints, is an impartial review of qualified explant surgeons. Even if you are paying for explant surgery out of pocket, it is extremely important to consider the expertise of the surgeon.
You may be able to travel for surgery and still pay less than you would with a lesser trained surgeon who may cause you to have further complications following explant surgery.
References
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). “Trust ASPS: Choose a board-certified plastic surgeon”. Retrieved July 15, 2019, from https://www.plasticsurgery.org/patient-safety/trust-asps
American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). “Is your surgeon certified?” Retrieved July 15, 2019, from https://find.plasticsurgery.org/
Breast Implant Illness. “Explant surgeons.” Retrieved July 15, 2019, from https://www.breastimplantillness.com/explant-surgeons/
Certification Matters. “Is my surgeon board-certified?” Retrieved July 15, 2019 from https://www.certificationmatters.org/
National Center for Health Research. “Your guide to breast implants and your health: We’re quoted.” Retrieved July 15, 2019, from http://breastimplantinfo.org/newsroom-2/were-quoted/
European Board of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (EBOPRAS). “Welcome.” Retrieved July 15, 2019, from http://www.ebopras.org/index.php [...]
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Dr. Ergun Kocak and Dr. Pankaj Tiwari, of Midwest Breast and Aesthetic Sugery in Columbus, Ohio, discuss breast reconstruction options after mastectomy.
Drs. Kocak and Tiwari, my explant surgeons, share three breast reconstruction options. Flat closure, without reconstruction at the time, is detailed in a separate webinar by Dr. Tiwari.
The second breast reconstruction option after mastectomy, breast implants, includes a frank discussion about the possibility of Breast Implant Illness. As Dr. Tiwari states in the video, the doctors prefer placing implants on top of the chest muscle. Many mastectomy and cosmetic implant patients had their implants placed behind the pectoral muscle. For some women, capsular contracture and Breast Implant Illness can occur.
Dr. Kocak discusses several options for using natural tissue breast reconstruction options after mastectomy, including DIEP flap, the option they performed during my explant surgery. I will be providing more detailed information on reconstruction options in future posts.
Midwest Breast and Aesthetic Surgery, Columbus, Ohio [...]
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Breast implant removal is commonly called ‘explanting the implant’, or explant for short. In the video below, Dr. Ergun Kocak (left) and Dr. Pankaj Tiwari (right), from Midwest Breast and Aesthetic Surgery, discuss the importance of removing the entire breast implant capsule during explant surgery. The doctors discuss the formation of biofilms, or as Dr. Kocak describes them, trenches where bacteria like to hide. This discussion applies to both saline and silicone implants!
Shortly after a breast implant of any type is place in the body, scar tissue called a capsule, begins to form around the implant. If you have Breast Implant Illness, you MUST have the scar tissue capsule removed with the implant intact. In other words, the scar tissue that formed around the implant should be removed without being ruptured or drained.
The gold standard for explant surgery is En Bloc, a specific type of total capulsectomy.
En Bloc Total Capsulectomy
Drs. Kocak and Tiwari are experts in the En Bloc breast implant removal procedure. En Bloc is a specific type of total capsulectomy, which removes both the implant and the entire tissue capsule intact. Breaking the capsule of scar tissue while it is still in your body releases toxins surrounding the implant.
In En Bloc explant surgery, the capsule is removed without disrupting the implant.
Do NOT allow your surgeon to drain the implants first or to remove the implant and then the remaining capsule. This exposes your body to toxins in the capsule and biofilms around the implant. The capsule of tissue and the implant should be removed together without rupturing the capsule. [...]
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The following video on YouTube is testimony to the FDA by Dr. H Jae Chun, MD. Dr. Chun explains why he has chosen to focus his plastic surgery practice on explant breast implants. He shares his views on the conflicting information presented to sufferers of Breast Implant Illness (BII).
If you have saline OR silicone implants with a variety of seemingly unrelated symptoms, please grab a cup of tea and be reassured that it is not in your head. If someone you love has implants, and you are wondering how to help, please listen in and reassure her that there is a solution. [...]
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