I am a functional medicine provider and acupuncturist. I have seen a growing number of patients in recent years who are concerned about their health and do not relate it to their breast implants. These patients often report a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, brain fog, chronic pain, anxiety, hair loss, and exacerbations of autoimmune, endocrine, and neurological diseases.
While the exact cause of breast implant illness (BII) is not fully understood, there is significant evidence that it may be caused by an autoimmune and chronic inflammatory response reaction to the implants. Silicone, the material used to fill most breast implants, is a biomaterial that can elicit an immune response in some people. This immune response can lead to the production of antibodies that target silicone, as well as other inflammatory molecules. These inflammatory molecules can then circulate throughout the body and cause damage to tissues and organs.
In addition to an autoimmune or inflammatory reaction, BII may also be caused by other factors, such as bacterial biofilm formation on the surface of the implants. Bacterial biofilm is a complex structure of bacteria that is embedded in a matrix of extracellular proteins. Biofilm can be difficult to eradicate, and it can release toxins that can contribute to inflammation.
BII has been linked to a number of health problems, including heart disease and neurological issues. For example, some studies have shown that women with breast implants are more likely to develop heart valve disease. This may be due to the fact that the inflammatory molecules produced in response to breast implants can damage the heart valves.
BII has also been linked to neurological problems, such as multiple sclerosis and Sjögren’s syndrome. These neurological diseases are characterized by inflammation of the central nervous system. It is possible that the inflammatory molecules produced in response to breast implants can contribute to the development of these diseases.
At the root of BII, heart disease, and neurological issues is chronic inflammatory syndrome. This is a condition in which the body is constantly in a state of inflammation. This inflammation can damage tissues and organs, and it can lead to a variety of health problems.
Some people are more susceptible to chronic inflammatory syndrome than others. This is due to a genetic predisposition to not detoxify well. When the body is unable to detoxify properly, toxins can build up in the body and trigger an inflammatory response.
As a functional medicine doctor, I see many patients who are concerned about their breast implants. I often hear them say things like, “I thought I was just getting older, but now I’m not so sure.” Or, “I thought my symptoms were just in my head, but now I’m starting to think that they might be related to my implants.”
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of BII, it is important to see a doctor. Your doctor will need to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms, such as an autoimmune disease or a bacterial infection. If your doctor suspects that you have BII, they may recommend that you have your breast implants removed.
There is no cure for BII, but removing the breast implants can often relieve the symptoms. However, some women may continue to experience symptoms even after their implants are removed. This is because the inflammatory response may have already caused damage to the body.
If you are considering getting breast implants, it is important to weigh the risks and benefits carefully. There is no guarantee that you will not develop BII, but there are steps you can take to reduce your risk. These steps include choosing high-quality implants and having them placed by a qualified surgeon.
If you are concerned about the risks of BII, you should talk to your doctor. They can help you decide if breast implants are right for you.
I have seen firsthand the impact that BII can have on a person’s life. If you are concerned about your health and you have implants, please schedule an appointment with me. I can help you assess your risk factors and develop a treatment plan that is right for you.