A few weeks before my mastectomy, a friend suggested I consider going flat instead of opting for breast reconstruction. She had come across numerous women’s stories about suffering from issues related to their breast implants. At the time, I was resolute in my decision to proceed with a direct-to-implant mastectomy, believing it would allow me to escape the cancer journey, emerge with enhanced breasts, and reclaim my life.
However, a year later, my health took a turn for the worse. I began experiencing joint pain and stiffness, which escalated to temperature sensitivity, food intolerances, sleep disruptions, dehydration, dry eyes, tinnitus, skin problems, heightened anxiety, and more. In late summer, I found myself in the emergency room with heart palpitations, only to be diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism. As a 39-year-old who exercises regularly and maintains a healthy diet, I couldn’t understand why I felt so unwell. Could breast implant illness be a factor?
While my silicone implants look appealing and mimic the feel of natural breasts, I have been plagued by persistent shoulder pain since my surgery—pain that has resisted treatment through physical therapy, massage, yoga, and chiropractic care. An MRI found nothing.
I can’t definitively say that all my medical troubles stem from my breast implants. The human body is intricate, and I have faced a variety of health challenges. I’m a type 1 diabetic, a breast cancer survivor, and have recently been diagnosed with lupus. This journey has involved a lot of trial and error. Honestly, I never wanted to be the woman in her thirties who had to remove her breast implants and go flat. Yet, here I am.
Understanding Breast Implant Illness
How can implants potentially cause so many problems when they are deemed safe? There is no formal test for breast implant illness, and astonishingly, it’s not recognized as an official medical diagnosis. Nevertheless, several credible institutions, such as MD Anderson Cancer Center, Harvard Health Publishing, and the National Center for Biotechnology Information, acknowledge that breast implants can lead to significant complications for some patients. The truth is, breast implant illness (BII) has not been extensively researched.
To gain insights, I consulted Dr. Thomas Reed, MD, a board-certified plastic surgeon, and also spoke with Sarah Jenkins, who runs a prominent social media support group for those affected by BII.
A common challenge for women experiencing concerning symptoms from their implants is finding someone who believes their struggles. When I asked Dr. Reed directly whether he thinks breast implant illness is real, he pointed out that women are three times more likely to develop autoimmune diseases compared to men, suggesting that women may possess more active immune systems. He explained that breast implants are encased in silicone shells filled with either silicone gel or saline. While silicone is often regarded as the gold standard for biocompatibility, it can still induce inflammation.
Dr. Reed emphasized that BII is not an official diagnosis but noted that it is plausible for the silicone or other chemicals in the implants to provoke an aggressive autoimmune response. This assertion should not be dismissed lightly. He described BII as a collection of reactive symptoms and stressed the importance of women who suspect their implants are making them sick to consult their primary care physician for imaging and lab tests to investigate any underlying conditions. If a patient desires to have their implants removed, they should seek a board-certified plastic surgeon and keep looking until they find someone who validates their concerns. After all, a patient knows their body best.
In general, Dr. Reed maintains that breast implants are safe, and many women have them without issues. However, he also cautioned that if a patient has an autoimmune condition, he engages in an honest discussion about the risks associated with their immune system and implants. Since implants are foreign objects, the body may react negatively. He also noted that anyone considering implants should be aware of potential complications, such as rippling, flipping, infections, ruptures, and manufacturing defects. Importantly, implants are not lifetime devices and will likely necessitate future surgeries.
The Community Perspective
Sarah Jenkins, founder of the Healing Breast Implant Illness community, highlights that many women in her group do not have medical backgrounds but share experiences of feeling unwell after getting implants. They often realize they were healthy before the procedure and identify breast implant illness in themselves through shared narratives. Many refer to their implants as “toxic bags” and share images of their removed implants.
You may wonder what BII symptoms are. Jenkins provides an extensive list of over fifty possible symptoms. However, it’s essential to note that many of these can overlap with other conditions, underscoring the need to rule out alternative medical issues. Symptoms associated with BII can include fatigue, cognitive difficulties, muscle pain, insomnia, delayed healing, headaches, digestive problems, and mental health concerns like anxiety and depression.
The Controversy Surrounding Breast Implants
Why are breast implants so controversial? Jenkins explains that silicone contains harmful chemicals and heavy metals, which can disrupt endocrine function, be cytotoxic, neurotoxic, carcinogenic, and inflammatory. Silicone shells can leak or rupture, and some women even share photos of their implants post-removal that reveal the presence of mold. She emphasizes that BII is not confined to a specific brand or type of implant, asserting that there is no such thing as a completely safe breast implant. The severity of an individual’s reaction may depend on genetic factors, immune response, and gut health.
Many women in Jenkins’ community suspect they have BII, yet it remains unrecognized in the medical field. So how do we address this situation when we feel unwell but lack a formal diagnosis? Jenkins believes that a diagnosis is unnecessary; the symptoms are real. The crucial next step is to find a qualified doctor to perform the explantation (removal of the implants and capsules) and get scheduled for surgery.
I have read countless testimonials from individuals convinced they have experienced BII. It’s not just their words but their before-and-after photos that resonate deeply with me. Many members of Jenkins’ community share side-by-side images in the same clothing and lighting, revealing astonishing transformations post-explant. The bags under their eyes vanish, their hair regains fullness, and their skin radiates health. While this is anecdotal, I trust that each woman knows her body and shares her truth to support others.
Friends have asked if I regret my decision to get breast implants. My answer is uncertain. I was in a haze following my cancer diagnosis when I made that choice, not wanting to be without breasts at 35. I know I will go through a grieving process when my implants are removed, but I refuse to dwell in regret or self-loathing. I made my decision then, and now I am ready to move forward. A literal weight will be lifted from my chest once my implants are gone, and I hope it brings the healing I have long sought.
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Summary
This article discusses the personal journey of a woman who suspects her breast implants are contributing to her ill health. She reflects on her experience with breast implant illness (BII), the lack of formal recognition for the condition, and the challenges of finding medical validation. Through consultations with medical professionals and support groups, she explores the symptoms associated with BII and the emotional impact of choosing to remove her implants. The narrative emphasizes the importance of listening to one’s body and seeking proper medical care.