Breast Implant Illness (BII) Fact Sheet

Breast Implant Illness (BII) is a term that encompasses a range of systemic symptoms reported by some individuals with breast implants, both silicone and saline. While not officially recognized as a medical diagnosis, BII is increasingly acknowledged by healthcare professionals and researchers as a genuine condition affecting a subset of patients.

Key Features of BII

• Occurrence:BII symptoms can manifest with any type of breast implant, irrespective of surface texture or material.
• Onset:Symptoms may appear shortly after implantation or take years to emerge.
• Prevalence:BII does not affect all individuals with breast implants, and its precise prevalence remains unclear.

Common Symptoms

BII symptoms are diverse and can impact multiple body systems. Frequently reported symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Joint and muscle pain
• Cognitive issues like "brain fog" and memory problems
• Sleep disturbances
• Skin rashes or dryness
• Hair loss
• Anxiety, depression, or mood changes
• Gastrointestinal issues such as bloating or nausea
• Dry eyes and mouth
• Chronic pain

These symptoms often overlap with those of autoimmune or inflammatory conditions, making diagnosis challenging.

Possible Causes

The exact causes of BII are not fully elucidated, but potential contributing factors include:

• Inflammatory responses to implant materials
• Immune system reactions
• Silicone migration or leakage
• Biofilm formation
• Individual genetic predisposition