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Breast implants have been a popular option for both cosmetic enhancement and reconstructive surgery for decades. They can restore breast volume after weight loss, pregnancy, mastectomy, or simply help women achieve a fuller shape. However, alongside the positive results many women experience, there is growing conversation about a health concern known as breast implant illness (BII).
While not officially recognized as a distinct medical diagnosis, breast implant illness is used to describe a cluster of systemic symptoms that some women attribute to their breast implants. The question many people ask is: how common is breast implant illness? The answer is not simple, as research is still emerging, symptoms can vary widely, and not all cases are formally reported.
In this guide, we will explore what breast implant illness is, what symptoms women report, what studies reveal about its prevalence, and how patients and medical professionals are approaching diagnosis and treatment.
What Exactly Is Breast Implant Illness?
Breast implant illness refers to a range of symptoms that some women experience after receiving breast implants, whether silicone or saline filled. These symptoms are often systemic, meaning they affect the whole body rather than just the breast area. They can occur soon after surgery or years later.
The term is used broadly because there is no official medical diagnosis for BII. Unlike conditions such as capsular contracture or implant rupture, breast implant illness does not have a clear diagnostic test. Instead, it is identified based on reported symptoms, patient history, and improvement after implant removal.
Many women with BII feel their bodies have an inflammatory or autoimmune reaction to the breast implant material, surrounding scar tissue, or even silicone particles if leakage occurs.
Common Symptoms Reported by Patients
Women experiencing breast implant illness symptoms often report a combination of physical, mental, and neurological concerns. Some of the most common symptoms reported include:
- Chronic fatigue
- Joint pain and muscle pain
- Brain fog and memory problems
- Hair loss
- Unexplained weight changes
- Chronic headaches
- Skin rashes
- Anxiety and depression
- Sleep disturbances
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Breathing difficulties
In some cases, these symptoms overlap with autoimmune conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or connective tissue disorders. This overlap can make it difficult for patients and doctors to determine whether the symptoms are caused by implants, another condition, or a combination of factors.
How Common Is Breast Implant Illness?
When discussing how common breast implant illness is, there is no definitive statistic that applies to all women with implants. This is partly because:
- BII is not an official diagnosis – meaning there is no standardized reporting system.
- Symptoms vary greatly – some women have mild issues, while others experience severe, disabling symptoms.
- Research is still limited – much of the available data comes from patient surveys, case studies, and anecdotal reports rather than large-scale population-based studies.
However, data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and breast implant manufacturers show tens of thousands of medical device reports where women described systemic symptoms they believed were linked to their implants. These reports have increased over the last decade, likely due to greater awareness and online patient communities sharing experiences.
What Research Says
While exact numbers are hard to determine, studies and patient advocacy groups suggest that breast implant illness may affect a notable percentage of women with implants. Some estimates suggest that anywhere from a small minority to up to 20% of implant recipients experience some degree of systemic symptoms.
A population-based study published in Annals of Surgery found that women with silicone breast implants had a higher incidence of autoimmune diseases compared to the general population, though the increase was relatively small. Another review in Arch Plast Surg highlighted the growing body of patient reports and called for more research into potential links between implants and systemic illness.
Risk Factors That May Increase the Likelihood of BII
While breast implant illness can potentially affect anyone with implants, certain risk factors may make it more likely. These can include:
- Autoimmune conditions – women with pre-existing autoimmune diseases or a family history of them may have a higher risk of symptoms.
- Connective tissue disorders – conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome may increase vulnerability.
- Implant rupture or leakage – silicone particles from ruptured silicone breast implants may trigger inflammatory responses.
- Capsular contracture – excessive scar tissue around the implant may lead to chronic inflammation.
- Length of time with implants – long-term exposure may increase the chance of developing symptoms.
It is important to note that these risk factors do not guarantee someone will develop BII, but they may help patients and plastic surgeons weigh the risks before surgery.
Why BII Is Difficult to Diagnose
The absence of a formal diagnosis makes breast implant illness challenging for patients and doctors alike. Many symptoms overlap with other conditions such as Lyme disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, or hormonal imbalances.
Since there is no single lab test or imaging study that can confirm BII, doctors often rule out other causes first. Some plastic surgeons acknowledge BII and work with patients to address their concerns, while others emphasize that scientific evidence is still evolving.
Patient Stories and Symptom Improvement
One of the most compelling aspects of the breast implant illness discussion is how many women report improvement after implant removal. This procedure, often called explant surgery, may also involve removing the surrounding scar tissue (en bloc capsulectomy) to ensure all implant material and potentially inflammatory tissue is taken out.
According to patient surveys, many women experience significant improvement in symptoms such as joint pain, brain fog, and chronic fatigue after explant surgery. While not every patient sees a full recovery, the fact that so many report better health after implants are removed has prompted further interest in studying BII.
The Role of the Immune System
Researchers believe that breast implant illness may be related to the body’s immune system reacting to the implant as a foreign object. This immune response can lead to inflammation, which may cause widespread symptoms. In some cases, women with silicone implants may also experience a “gel bleed,” where small amounts of silicone seep through the implant shell and potentially trigger an inflammatory or autoimmune reaction.
Considering Implant Removal
Women who suspect they have BII often consult a board certified plastic surgeon with experience in treating breast implant illness. These consultations usually cover:
- Reviewing symptoms and medical history
- Discussing the type of implants (silicone implants vs saline)
- Evaluating the condition of the implants and surrounding scar tissue
- Considering the potential benefits and risks of implant removal
- Talking through reconstructive surgery or a breast lift, if desired, after explantation
Patients should also review the patient decision checklist provided by breast implant manufacturers and the FDA to ensure they fully understand their options.
The Connection Between Breast Implants and Breast Cancer
While breast implant illness and breast cancer are separate conditions, certain types of implants have been associated with a rare cancer called breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). This is not breast cancer but a cancer of the immune system found in the scar tissue and fluid around the implant.
The Cleveland Clinic and other health organizations recommend that women with implants be aware of this risk, even though it is rare, and report any swelling, pain, or lumps near the implant site.
The Importance of Mental Health Support
Living with unexplained symptoms can be frustrating and emotionally draining. Women experiencing BII symptoms often feel unheard or dismissed, which can impact mental health. Support groups, counseling, and open communication with healthcare providers are essential for emotional well-being during diagnosis and treatment.
Current Medical Perspective and Ongoing Research
The FDA acknowledges that some women experience systemic symptoms that may be related to their breast implants. While a direct cause-and-effect relationship has not been definitively proven, the agency encourages further research and advises patients to report any adverse effects.
Plastic surgeons and medical researchers continue to investigate the potential links between breast implants and systemic illness, studying factors such as the role of implant materials, individual immune system responses, and how symptoms improve after implant removal.
Deciding Whether to Get or Remove Breast Implants
The decision to receive breast implants or have them removed is personal and should be made with careful consideration of risks, benefits, and individual health. Women considering implants should:
- Discuss their full medical history with a board-certified plastic surgeon
- Ask about the type of implants being used and potential risks
- Understand the possibility of developing systemic symptoms
- Review the patient decision checklist before surgery
Women considering removal should weigh the potential health benefits with the physical changes and possible need for additional procedures, such as a breast lift.
Key Takeaways
- Breast implant illness is a term used for a collection of systemic symptoms some women experience after receiving breast implants.
- There is no official medical diagnosis for BII, making it hard to determine exactly how common it is.
- Tens of thousands of women have reported symptoms such as chronic fatigue, joint pain, and brain fog, and many report improvement after implant removal.
- Risk factors may include autoimmune diseases, connective tissue disorders, and implant rupture.
- Ongoing research aims to better understand the connection between breast implants and systemic illness, with patient experiences playing an important role in awareness.
Final Thoughts
So, how common is breast implant illness? While we do not yet have exact statistics, it is clear that BII is a genuine concern for many women with breast implants. The fact that symptoms often improve after implants are removed suggests a possible link, even if the exact cause is still under study.
If you have breast implants and are experiencing unexplained symptoms, talk to a healthcare provider or a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in treating breast implant illness. Your health, comfort, and peace of mind are worth prioritizing, and taking an informed approach will help you make the best decision for your body and well-being.
References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34352944/
https://www.breastcancer.org/treatment/surgery/breast-reconstruction/types/implant-reconstruction/illness/breast-implant-illness
https://www.jprasurg.com/article/S1748-6815(25)00192-5/fulltext
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23366-breast-implant-illness
https://utswmed.org/medblog/breast-implant-illness/
https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/breast-implants/risks-and-complications-breast-implants
https://www.webmd.com/beauty/what-is-breast-implant-illness
