BREAST IMPLANT ILLNESSES
Common Illnesses and Symptoms Linked to Breast Implant Illness (BII)
Breast Implant Illness (BII) is a term used by patients and researchers to describe a wide range of chronic symptoms and autoimmune-like conditions reported by women with saline or silicone breast implants. These symptoms can affect the immune system, nervous system, endocrine system, and overall health.
Autoimmune and Immune System Disorders
Women experiencing Breast Implant Illness frequently report autoimmune or immune-related conditions such as:
Autoimmune disease
Autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome induced by adjuvants (ASIA Syndrome)
Rheumatoid arthritis
Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus – SLE)
Sjögren’s syndrome
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Mixed connective tissue disease
Scleroderma
Raynaud’s phenomenon
Fibromyalgia
Chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS)
Neurological Symptoms
Breast implant illness has been linked by patients to neurological and cognitive problems that can disrupt everyday life:
Brain fog and memory loss
Chronic migraines and headaches
Peripheral neuropathy
Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
Dizziness or vertigo
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Difficulty concentrating
Anxiety and panic attacks
Depression and mood instability
Hormonal and Endocrine Disorders
Some women report hormonal imbalance and endocrine dysfunction after breast augmentation:
Thyroid disease
Adrenal fatigue
Hormone imbalance
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Estrogen dominance
Menstrual irregularities
Early menopause symptoms
Weight gain or unexplained weight loss
Chronic Pain and Inflammatory Conditions
Inflammation is one of the most common complaints associated with breast implant illness.
Chronic joint pain
Muscle pain and weakness
Swollen lymph nodes
Chronic inflammation
Chest pain or tightness
Breast pain and burning sensations
Capsular contracture
Calcification around implants
Skin, Hair, and Tissue Changes
Many women report visible physical changes affecting skin, hair, and connective tissue.
Hair loss or thinning hair
Dry or aging skin
Skin rashes and irritation
Sensitivity to sunlight
Brittle nails
Delayed wound healing
Changes in breast tissue
Digestive and Gut Health Problems
Breast implant illness has also been associated with gastrointestinal and digestive disorders.
Leaky gut syndrome
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
Food sensitivities
Chronic bloating
Acid reflux or GERD
Constipation or diarrhea
Candida overgrowth
Respiratory and Cardiovascular Symptoms
Some women report symptoms affecting breathing and heart function.
Shortness of breath
Heart palpitations
Chest pressure
Chronic coughing
Exercise intolerance
Rare but Documented Implant-Related Diseases
There are also medically recognized conditions linked to breast implants.
Breast Implant–Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL)
Breast Implant–Associated Squamous Cell Carcinoma (BIA-SCC)
Silicone granulomas
Implant rupture or silicone leakage
Biofilm infections around implants
This is a small list. We will continue to add and also look in the HERStory section as this blog continues to grow, the stories will grow in here as well. YOU ARE NOT ALONE! YOU ARE WELCOME HERE. <3
