A growing number of women with breast implants have reported a constellation of systemic symptoms — fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, autoimmune-like reactions, and others — that they attribute to their implants. This collection of symptoms has been termed breast implant illness, or BII. It is important to be transparent about the science: breast implant illness is not currently recognized as a discrete medical disease, no diagnostic test exists for it, and the symptoms commonly attributed to BII are non-specific and can be linked to many other medical conditions. At the same time, the patient experience is real, the symptoms are significant, and the relief many patients describe after en bloc removal of their implants and capsules cannot be discounted. The right approach is honest, careful evaluation — ruling out other causes through proper medical workup, treating the patient’s actual situation, and offering surgical removal when that is what the patient wants after informed discussion.

Dr. John Anastasatos provides breast implant illness evaluation and treatment at his Beverly Hills practice with the peer-vetted clinical authority and senior surgical training this complex evaluation requires. Dr. Anastasatos serves as an Expert Reviewer for the Medical Board of California — a credential reflecting the standards his California colleagues trust him to evaluate, particularly relevant for the complex clinical decision-making BII evaluation requires — and served as Chief Resident in Plastic Surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, senior-level training covering the full reconstructive breast spectrum. Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS), a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), and named by The Luxe Insider as one of the Top 10 Plastic Surgeons in the World.

What is Breast Implant Illness (BII)?

The first breast augmentation with silicone implants was done in 1962. Breast augmentation is considered to be one of the most popular cosmetic procedures sought after by women worldwide. Breast augmentation changes an entire appearance of a woman, making her feel more confident and feminine.

However, just like with any surgery, there are potential risks that need to be considered before undergoing breast augmentation. “Breast Implant Illness” (BII) is becoming a widely used term to describe a wide range of symptoms and complications that can develop after getting breast implants. Symptoms attributed to BII have been reported with every type of breast implant, including silicone gel-filled, saline-filled, smooth, textured, round, and teardrop-shaped implants, and the symptoms vary widely from one woman to the next.

Severe capsular contracture &
ruptured silicone breast implants

Symptoms of BII

Women who report breast implant illness describe a range of symptoms. A woman could have any combination of the following symptoms that may or may not be related to their breast implants, including:

• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Rashes
• Chest pain
• Headaches
• Depression

These symptoms can also be linked to many other conditions and may not be caused by breast implants. Since there is no known link to breast implants and any disease, it is not possible to test for breast implant illness. Those with these symptoms should see their primary care physician to be tested for other possible health conditions that could be causing their illness.

What are some of the common complications that may contribute to BII?

Capsular Contracture: Breast implants are considered to be “foreign objects” when placed in our bodies. Therefore, a woman’s body reacts to this foreign object by forming a capsule of scar tissue around the implants. Capsular contracture forms when this capsule tightens and becomes very hard. As a result, it can cause the breasts to become very hard or deformed, as well as causing discomfort and/or pain.
The exact cause of capsular contracture is not fully understood, and it can occur with both silicone and saline implants.

Breast Implant Rupture: With time, the longer a breast implant is in place, the more likely it is to break. Women may not know when their silicone gel breast implants break, because a rupture often causes no noticeable symptoms. Imaging is the most reliable way to detect it, and the FDA recommends that women with silicone gel implants have an MRI or ultrasound five to six years after surgery and every two to three years after that. Contents from ruptured implants may spread within the capsule surrounding the implant, and it can even migrate outside of the capsule to other parts of the body. A ruptured implant is usually removed or replaced, and Dr. Anastasatos can review imaging and discuss the options.

Removing Breast Implants in Beverly Hills

Because there is no test for breast implant illness, treatment starts with a careful evaluation to rule out other causes of symptoms. For women who want their implants out, the main surgical option is breast implant removal, with or without removal of the surrounding capsule through en bloc capsulectomy. Many women report that their symptoms improve after removal, but responses vary and improvement cannot be guaranteed. A breast lift or fat transfer can be performed at the same time to help restore breast shape.

Separately from BII, textured breast implants have been linked to a rare type of lymphoma called breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL). New swelling, a lump, or fluid around an implant, often years after surgery, should be evaluated promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Implant Illness

Is breast implant illness a recognized medical diagnosis?

Not yet. There is no test that confirms BII, and its symptoms overlap with many other conditions. The symptoms women describe are real, so evaluation focuses on ruling out other causes and understanding each patient’s situation.

Will removing my implants make my symptoms go away?

Many women report that their symptoms improve after removal, but responses vary and no surgeon can guarantee improvement. Dr. Anastasatos discusses realistic expectations before any decision about breast implant removal.

Do I need an en bloc capsulectomy?

Not always. An en bloc capsulectomy removes the implant and surrounding capsule together in one piece, but whether it is possible or necessary depends on the capsule, the implant position, and the reason for removal.

Can my breasts look natural after the implants come out?

Often, yes. A breast lift or fat transfer can be performed at the same time to help restore shape and volume, and the best plan depends on your skin and breast tissue.

How do I know whether my implant has ruptured?

A silicone implant rupture often causes no symptoms, so MRI or ultrasound is the most reliable way to check. The FDA recommends imaging five to six years after surgery and every two to three years after that for silicone gel implants.

Which symptoms need prompt medical attention?

New swelling, a lump, or fluid around an implant should be evaluated promptly, as should redness, warmth, or fever. Sudden chest pain or trouble breathing needs emergency care, so call 911.

Why Choose Dr. Anastasatos for Breast Implant Illness Evaluation

• Board Certified and FACS: Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons.
• Expert Reviewer for the Medical Board of California: Trusted to review the standard of care provided by other physicians.
• Chief Resident Training at UAB: Senior plastic surgery training at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he later served as Assistant Professor.
• Full Range of Breast Surgery: Implant removal, en bloc capsulectomy, capsular contracture treatment, and implant revision under one roof.
• Shape Restoration: Breast lift and fat transfer options to restore a natural look after removal.
• Honest, Balanced Guidance: A careful evaluation that respects your symptoms and explains what surgery can and cannot do.

Breast Implant Illness Evaluation in Beverly Hills

If you are concerned that you are having symptoms of breast implant illness, contact us at Los Angeles Plastic Surgery in Beverly Hills. We can schedule an exam and consultation with Dr. Anastasatos, who can evaluate your implants and discuss your treatment options at the office at 436 North Bedford Drive, Suite 202, Beverly Hills, CA 90210.

This page provides general information and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Individual results vary.