Breast Implant Illness: Myths, Facts, and Your Treatment Options

What is breast implant illness? It is the name given to a group of symptoms that some patients associate with breast implants. Reports of fatigue, pain, or brain fog have made BII a topic of increasing interest, both in medical research and in patient communities.

The conversation around breast implant illness has been shaped by headlines, forums, and anecdotal reports, which can be difficult to navigate.

At The Practice, our approach is centered on careful listening, thoughtful evaluation, and guidance that is compassionate while grounded in established medical evidence. Today, Dr. Cassileth explains what BII is, separates myths from facts, and reviews care options from monitoring to removal and support.

What Is Breast Implant Illness?

Breast implant illness (BII) describes a group of symptoms that some patients experience after receiving breast implants. Reported issues include fatigue, joint or muscle pain, rashes, brain fog, and mood changes. These may develop months or even years after surgery.

Implant issues that can overlap with BII include:

• Capsular contracture: scar tissue tightens around the implant, causing the breast to feel firm or sore.
• Implant rupture: saline deflates quickly; silicone leaks can be silent.
• BIA-ALCL: a rare lymphoma in the capsule, reported with textured implants, seen as late swelling or fluid.

Research is ongoing, but some studies offer valuable insights. A 2024 PubMed review of 39,505 patients found that symptoms improved after explantation in 83.5% of cases where this was reported.

While outcomes vary, findings like these highlight why patients with persistent symptoms often explore treatment options with their surgeon.

Myths and Misconceptions About Breast Implant Illness

Stories, headlines, and early studies often blend, which can blur the distinction between what is known and what is still being studied. Many readers also wonder how common breast implant illness is, a fair question that can be hard to answer without context.

To bring clarity, we will start by separating fact from fiction. First, a quick look at common myths and why they fall short. Then, a brief review of what the evidence really shows.

Common Myths About BII

Myth 1: There is a definitive medical test for BII.

No single lab, scan, or biopsy confirms breast implant illness. Regulators describe BII as patient-reported systemic symptoms and advise ruling out other causes first.

Myth 2: Only silicone implants are linked to symptoms.

Reports involve patients with silicone and saline implants. The FDA notes symptoms have been reported with all implant types, regardless of fill, shape, or surface.

Myth 3: En bloc capsulectomy is necessary for everyone with symptoms.

A consensus statement says en bloc removal is reserved for established or suspected implant-associated cancers after proper workup, not routine BII cases. Surgical planning should be individualized.

Myth 4: BII and BIA-ALCL are the same thing.

BII refers to body-wide symptoms. BIA-ALCL is a rare lymphoma that arises in the scar capsule, often presenting years later with swelling or fluid around the implant. They require different evaluations.

Myth 5: All implants eventually make patients sick.

Most patients with implants do not report systemic symptoms. Prevalence is challenging to determine, and current labeling emphasizes the importance of informed consent and shared decision-making.

What the Evidence Really Shows

There is no single lab or scan that confirms breast implant illness. Doctors begin by taking a thorough medical history, conducting a comprehensive physical examination, and performing targeted diagnostic tests to rule out other potential causes.

Personal stories can reveal patterns, but the most insightful findings often come from cohort studies and systematic reviews.

Results vary by patient, and definitions still differ across studies.

According to a 2025 systematic review in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 81.9% of patients reported symptom improvement after implant removal, with an average reduction in symptoms of 55.1%.

This suggests removal may help some patients, yet it does not guarantee relief for everyone.

How Common Is Breast Implant Illness?

Patients often ask, How common is breast implant illness?

The truth is, no one knows for certain. Because BII lacks formal diagnostic criteria and reporting is voluntary, the exact prevalence can’t be calculated. The FDA notes thousands of reports describe systemic symptoms, but they don’t measure how widespread BII truly is.

In contrast, other implant complications are better quantified. For example, a ResearchGate study of over 5,000 implants found a 10.8% rate of capsular contracture over ten years.

Because media and forums can amplify BII stories beyond what evidence shows, treat the data as a guide and plan care around your own symptoms and priorities.

Dr. Cassileth focuses on understanding each patient’s symptoms, rather than just the numbers.

Signs and Symptoms to Watch For

If you are worried about breast implant illness, the most common symptoms people report include fatigue, joint or muscle pain, memory or concentration problems, rashes, headaches, mood changes, and sleep difficulties.

These may develop months or even years after surgery.

Because other health conditions can also cause each of these issues, it is essential not to jump to conclusions. A full medical evaluation can help clarify the cause.

You can make that process easier by keeping a log of your symptoms, their severity, and when they occur. If they persist, reach out to your surgeon or doctor.

Treatment and Support: Your Options

If you suspect breast implant illness, care can range from medical evaluation and monitoring to implant removal and emotional support.

Conservative Approaches & Monitoring

The first step when symptoms appear is a thorough medical evaluation.

Blood work, imaging, and other targeted tests can rule out common causes such as thyroid disease, autoimmune conditions, or nutritional deficiencies.

Keeping a simple record of fatigue, pain levels, or cognitive changes helps both you and your doctor see patterns that might otherwise be missed.

Seeking a second opinion can also bring perspective and reassurance. For many patients, structured monitoring with scheduled check-ins provides clarity without rushing into surgery, allowing time to decide if symptoms are truly implant-related.

Breast Implant Removal & En Bloc Capsulectomy

Breast implant removal may be considered when symptoms persist, imaging suggests rupture, or contracture causes pain or distortion. En bloc capsulectomy, where the implant and capsule are removed together, is typically reserved for specific medical reasons.

What you can expect:

• Many patients report improvement after removal, though results vary.
• Some experience partial relief, while others notice little change.
• Recovery includes swelling, scar care, and discussions about reconstruction or lift options.

This decision is deeply personal. A thoughtful consultation ensures your plan reflects both your health concerns and your long-term goals.

Emotional Support & Community Resources

Uncertainty takes a toll. Emotional support matters just as much as medical treatment.

You might benefit from:

• Peer groups where patients share their experiences
• Professional counseling to manage anxiety and stress
• Holistic approaches such as mindfulness or nutrition support

Dr. Cassileth works alongside you, not just as a surgeon but as a partner in decision-making. Your health goals, concerns, and values shape every choice. Care is never one-size-fits-all.

By combining clinical expertise with compassion, she helps you move forward with confidence and support at every step. To learn more about your options, requesting a consultation with Dr. Cassileth is the best place to begin.

Moving Forward with Confidence

Concerns about breast implant illness are real and deserve to be heard. Symptoms can feel confusing, and the information online can be overwhelming.

Dr. Cassileth offers honest, evidence-based guidance to help you sort through the uncertainty. With her experience in both implant and explant surgery, you have a trusted partner who understands the balance between health, aesthetics, and peace of mind.

Choosing your next step is personal. You do not need to navigate it alone. Support, clarity, and patient-centered care are always within reach here in Beverly Hills.

FAQs

Should I have my implants removed if I have symptoms?

Implant removal is not always the first step. Doctors recommend a full evaluation to rule out other causes. Many patients report symptom relief after removal, though results vary.

A board-certified plastic surgeon can guide you in making safe, individualized decisions.

Is BII recognized by official medical societies?

What is breast implant illness? It describes patient-reported symptoms, including fatigue, joint pain, and brain fog.

While not a formal diagnosis, the FDA acknowledges reports and requires manufacturers to issue warnings for implants. Medical societies advise thorough evaluation and shared decision-making while research continues.

Can saline and silicone implants both cause BII?

Reports of breast implant illness involve both saline and silicone devices, since all implants use a silicone shell.

The FDA notes symptoms occur with all types. How common breast implant illness is remains unclear, making individualized evaluation and monitoring essential for patients with concerns.

What about textured vs. smooth implants?

Textured implants are associated with BIA-ALCL, a rare lymphoma, while smooth implants are not. Both types appear in breast implant illness reports. BIA-ALCL differs from BII, which involves systemic symptoms. Careful evaluation helps distinguish between these issues and guides the selection of appropriate treatment options.

How can I talk to my doctor about my concerns?

Bring a clear symptom history, implant details, and any questions you may have to your appointment. Ask directly about possible implant links, tests to rule out other causes, and available options. Open discussion helps ensure your care reflects your concerns, health needs, and personal goals.