Breast implant illness: a topic in review

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Medical Toxicology
• Systemic Illness

Background:

• The term "breast implant illness" has emerged on social media, describing various symptoms attributed to breast implants.
• Reported symptoms include fatigue, chest pain, hair loss, headaches, and chronic pain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an updated review on the safety of silicone breast implants.
• To delineate the research and evidence concerning "breast implant illness".

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing studies and evidence.
• Analysis of research pertaining to silicone breast implant safety.

Main Results:

• Current evidence supports the general safety of silicone breast implants.
• No concrete, evidence-based studies confirm "breast implant illness" as a new syndrome.

Conclusions:

• Physicians should address patient symptoms while acknowledging the lack of evidence for a new syndrome.
• Patients have the right to choose explantation, with guidance to seek board-certified plastic surgeons.
• Further well-designed studies are needed to investigate breast implant safety regarding cancer, autoimmune diseases, and other health concerns.