For most women who undergo breast augmentation, their implants give them a positive experience with their appearance and self-esteem. Breast implant surgery is a safe, low-risk procedure and an enduringly popular cosmetic surgery for women.
However, you may experience some rare complications or symptoms concerning their implants. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. David Dreyfuss and his staff take breast implant illness seriously and fully understand the discomfort and toll it can take on a woman’s overall well-being.
If you are suffering from an array of health symptoms that have no other evident cause and are looking for answers, you can learn more here, including the options available for relief.
Are Breast Implants Safe?
Silicone and saline breast implants are FDA-approved medical devices to add volume to undersized or deflated breasts. However, as with all surgeries, some associated risks may appear over time. While rare, mild, and correctable, these possible complications include:
- Implant rupture
- Implant displacement
- Capsular contracture
- Implant malfunction
- Infection
- Loss of nipple sensation
- Allergic reaction
- Breast implant illness
What Is Breast Implant Illness?
Besides mechanical malfunctions and surgical risks like infection and capsular contracture, there’s another implant-related danger you should be aware of. Breast implant illness is an array of symptoms some women experience after breast augmentation – ranging from mild discomfort to severe physical and psychological issues.
If your physician has screened you for other health problems and hasn’t arrived at an accurate diagnosis, your silicone or saline implants may be the culprit.
How Do Doctors Diagnose Breast Implant Illness?
The best way to describe the method health professionals use to diagnose breast implant illness is the process of elimination. When your doctors have ruled out other possible causes and you have undergone breast implant surgery, it’s reasonable to deduce that your implants are the source of the health issue. However, there is no concrete process to confidently determine whether implants indeed cause the symptoms, even if you decide to get them removed.
What Are Symptoms Related to Breast Implant Illness?
Breast implant illness may present various mental and physical symptoms that differ from patient to patient. The most common include:
- Muscle soreness
- Recurring headaches
- Joint pain
- Shortness of breath
- Dry mouth and dry eyes
- Skin rash
- Irregular bowels
- Thinning or loss of hair
- Insomnia
- Memory loss
- Confusion
- Depression
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should schedule a consultation with a board-certified physician to discuss a diagnosis and possible solutions to improve your quality of life.
What Are Your Treatment Options?
The optimal approach to relieve breast implant illness symptoms is to have your implants removed. During your consultation, a qualified doctor will discuss your symptoms, evaluate your condition, and determine the explant approach most appropriate for you.
Patients suspecting breast implant illness understand there is no guarantee explant surgery will resolve their condition. However, many patients experience complete symptom relief once they have their breast implants removed.
What About New Implants?
Most experts do not recommend breast implant illness patients replace their old implants with new ones. Often, Dr. Dreyfuss will recommend a breast lift or other treatment to help restore an appealing breast shape and position.
To learn more about breast implant illness in Chicago and how to get relief, contact us today for a discreet consultation with Dr. Dreyfuss.
