Breast Implant Illness (BII) Newcastle
What is Breast Implant Illness?
In a new society where personal appearance and aesthetics have become a priority, aesthetic surgeries have boomed. One of the most demanded by the public who want to beautify and perfect their image is breast implants.
Breast enlargement / reconstruction surgery can lead Breast Implant Illness. It is known by the acronym BII, referring to a series of symptoms that a person may present after the intervention. This topic has caused concern to both patients and specialists. It can occur in the types of implants described below:
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Silicone gel-filled breast implants.
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Smooth surface breast implants.
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Breast implants with a textured surface.
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Round breast implants.
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Teardrop implants.
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Breast implants filled with saline solution.
Symptoms of BII?
When there is a rupture of the breast implants, people feel numbness and tingling in the affected breast. Small lumps form around the breast, in the armpit, in the arm, and the breast. It also increases the stiffness of the breast. Breast implant illness symptoms can be systemic.
Symptoms of Breast Implant Illness that transcend the physical discomfort, such as:
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Anxiety
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Weight gain
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Headache
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Muscle weakness and joint pain
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Deficiency in retention and concentration capacity
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Depression
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Fatigue
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Brain fog
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Insomnia
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Hair loss
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Skin problems
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Breathing problems
The onset of Breast Implant Illness symptoms can occur anytime after breast surgery. It may happen a few days after surgery or a few years later. Specialists believe that this disease maybe associated with connective tissue disorders and autoimmune deficiencies. The most common are scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus.
Diagnosis of BII in Newcastle
So far, specialists have not established effective methods, diagnostic criteria, and tests for the detection of BII. In this regard, many experts with extensive experience note a common factor in patients who present these symptoms. It is that their functional abilities are diminished, due to the symptomatology.
People who suffer from these symptoms usually see several specialists before considering their direct relationship with BII. For this reason, surgeons must rule out other reasons unrelated to breast implants. In the process of evaluation and diagnosis, there have been cases where a patient has symptoms of BII and autoimmune disease.
Treatment of BII in Newcastle
Even today, BII does not have in-depth studies that contribute to optimal diagnosis and treatment. In the town of Newcastle, patients suffering from these symptoms can go to the Dr. Kim’s plastic surgery clinic.
The surgeons on our team take different approaches to evaluate and treat breast implant disease, thanks to their multidisciplinary approach. They recommend an intervention that consists of breast implant removal and their capsules.
This is known as en bloc capsulectomy. Each implant is removed in one piece, preventing bacteria and other substances from spreading throughout the body. When a total capsulectomy is performed, scar tissue and the risk of contamination of the area are eliminated.
If you have any of the symptoms we have described, please consult your specialist. They will evaluate the risks and benefits of your options. Keep in mind that the breast implants removal does not guarantee the total effectiveness of the treatment. Once the en bloc capsulectomy has been performed, the loose excess skin and droopy breast skin envelope can be lifted to restore its rejuvenated appearance. Please consult us with any concerns you may have.
If you would like any more information on the procedures Dr. Kim provides to patients in Newcastle, then please get in touch to book in a suitable time for a consultation.