Breast Implant Illness: When to Consider Having Implants Removed

Are you experiencing any unusual symptoms after having breast implants inserted and considering whether you should have them removed?

In this blog, we discuss breast implant illness and other problems which some women experience after breast augmentation. 

If you’ve got specific questions, or you’d like to book a consultation with Dr Yang, please contact us today on (07) 3257 7950.

What Is Breast Implant Illness?

The term ‘Breast Implant Illness’ refers to a collection of symptoms which can occur after having silicone breast implants inserted. 

The symptoms are varied and are quite individualised.

To date, there is no robust evidence that clearly links silicone breast implants to these symptoms. However, there is an increasing group of women who are experiencing these problems in the setting of having breast implants.

It may be that some people are more sensitive to having the implants in place, and currently science has not been able to identify who is likely to experience sensitivity nor which part of the implant they are sensitive too. 

Breast Implant Illness Symptoms

Please remember, symptoms vary and are different for each individual.

They may include:

• Lethargy
• Tiredness
• Brain fog
• Aches and pains in muscles and joints
• Poor concentration
• Increased anxiety or depression
•  Hair thinning/ hair loss
• Skin breakouts
• Altered menstrual cycle

Problems with Breast Implants

Some women may experience the following problems after breast augmentation:

1. Capsular contracture where the capsule around the implant can harden (which is the body’s normal response to having the implant in place). This can result in an increased firmness of the breast all the way through to the firmness being visible or tender.
2. Implants can move, drop, and being a manufactured device, they can sometimes fail (leak or rupture).
3. BIA-ALCL – Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell lymphoma is a condition that has been reported to occur with textured breast implants. It is a rare complication of breast implants; however, patients need to be well informed about this when discussing breast implants with their surgeon.

When should you remove breast implants?

Implants should be removed:

• If there is evidence of BIA-ALCL
• If patients have radiological evidence of a rupture or leak
• If they have concerns about breast implant illness syndrome
• If there is significant capsular contracture
• If it is the patient’s preference that they no longer want them e.g. different stage of life, not painful but uncomfortable, lifestyle situation has changed

As always, we encourage you to speak with your health care practitioner or request an appointment with Dr Samuel Yang to determine if breast implant removal is advised.

Breast Implant Illness

In conclusion, there has been a long history of concern about implants being associated with the above symptoms, some women have suspected their implants have been a contributing factor to the development of this syndrome.

While there have been many studies which have attempted to find a correlation between the symptoms and implants, so far none of them have found clear evidence that demonstrates a cause or link.

It may well be that there is most likely a group of women who are sensitive to implants and when the implants are removed their symptoms disappear or resolve permanently.

If you worried about your breast implants and or any symptoms you think might be associated with them, we recommend contacting a health professional to discuss your concerns.

Need to make an appointment with Dr Yang? Send us an online enquiry here or speak to our friendly team on 07 3257 7950.

Dr Samuel Yang is an experienced plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon based in Brisbane.

A fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons and a member of both the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons and the Australian Medical Association, Dr Yang has been practising in both the private and public systems since 2013.

While the Queensland-trained surgeon can help with all plastic surgery needs, he has special interest in abdominoplasty, skin cancer and melanoma, breast surgery, face lifts and blepharoplasty.

Dr Yang aims to help his patients pick the best surgical option based on the desired result, and ensures they are comfortable and informed before making any commitment.

For more information or to book a consultation, please contact our friendly team on (07) 3257 7950 today or enquire online here.