After speaking at the Breast Implant Illness Summit in August 2024, Dr. Brian Buinewicz has maintained his ongoing commitment to educating the public on the condition, its risk factors, and surgical solutions he provides at his practice in the Philadelphia area. Breast Implant Illness is often thought of as a disease, but a more accurate description defines it as multiple symptoms, which seem to be connected to an abnormal immune response that develops after the insertion of breast implants.
Because of the range of complications related to implants, Dr. Buinewicz seldom uses them anymore for his augmentation patients. He also regularly works to remove both implants and the surrounding scar tissue for patients who are dealing with the problem.
What symptoms are there to watch for? Here is a list.
Pain
Breast Implant Illness can cause the breasts themselves to hurt, although symptoms can spread to virtually all other organs throughout the body as well. This can cause systemic pain.
Fatigue
An overwhelming or pervasive feeling of tiredness and fatigue can accompany BII, which leaves patients feeling sluggish.
Depression and Anxiety
Mood disorders like depression and anxiety can have many contributing factors, including physiological, social, and environmental. BII is linked to both mental conditions.
Brain Fog
Some BII patients say that their thinking can become slow or fuzzy. This brain fog seems to be related to the immune system’s abnormal response to the insertion of the implants.
Headaches/Migraines
Beyond brain fog, BII can also cause recurring headaches and even painful migraines. During these times, patients may find themselves temporarily sensitive to bright light, nauseous, and unable to see properly.
Gastrointestinal Issues
The gut is more closely tied to the rest of the body than many people may realize. Breast Implant Illness can impact the entire digestive system, with symptoms ranging from reflux and bloating to weight gain. Some patients find that they can no longer tolerate certain foods.
Skin Eruptions
The skin is a barrier for the body, but it can also serve as a barometer for what is happening inside. Patients dealing with BII might find that they are more prone to developing rashes, as well as experiencing acne breakouts.
Eye Problems
Breast Implant Illness can truly impact a multitude of systems and organs, as evidenced by its relation to vision changes. Patients may find that they have trouble seeing well, or they may experience dry eyes that feel irritated and “scratchy.”
Hair Loss
Stress on the body can cause hair to fall out faster than it is replaced. This leads to noticeable hair loss on the scalp, which can start to appear thin and patchy.
Other Symptoms
Everything from thyroid issues to joint pain can be associated with Breast Implant Illness. Keep in mind that just because you are experiencing any, some, or even all of these symptoms, you should not decide that you have BII on your own. Instead, consult with a medical professional for an official diagnosis.
That said, any patients who wish to remove their breast implants can contact Dr. Buinewicz to schedule an explantation procedure.
Follow Buinewicz Plastic Surgery on Instagram to read frequently asked questions about Breast Implant Illness. You can also send a message online or call (215) 647-9668.
