A population-based study of breast implant illness

Area of Science:

• Medical research
• Patient-reported outcomes
• Plastic surgery

Background:

• Breast implants are widely used, yet some women report adverse health effects, termed "breast implant illness" (BII).
• Evidence suggests implant safety, but patient experiences highlight a need to characterize BII symptoms and outcomes.
• This study investigates the symptoms associated with BII and the impact of implant removal on symptom resolution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the symptoms attributed to breast implants by women experiencing "breast implant illness."
• To evaluate the effect of breast implant removal (explantation) on the resolution of these symptoms.

Main Methods:

• An anonymous 20-question online survey was distributed to members of the "UTAH Breast Implant Illness" Facebook group.
• The survey collected data on symptoms experienced, reasons for cosmetic implants, and outcomes following explantation.
• Data from 182 respondents were analyzed to identify common symptoms and assess symptom relief post-implant removal.

Main Results:

• 97% of respondents reported negative health effects from implants, identifying them as BII symptoms.
• Most common BII symptoms included brain fog (95%), fatigue (92%), joint pain (80%), and hair loss (74%).
• 97% of women who had implants removed reported symptom improvement (23% complete, 74% partial), with significant improvement across most symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Breast implant illness is a syndrome characterized by fatigue, cognitive difficulties, hair loss, and joint pain.
• Explantation leads to significant symptom improvement for nearly all affected patients.
• Further research is crucial to understand the etiology and mechanisms of breast implant illness.