Breast Implant Illness (BII) is a condition that affects some women who have undergone breast augmentation. This set of symptoms is attributed to breast implants and can vary from patient to patient, affecting them in different ways. Symptoms related to autoimmunity are present in many autoimmune conditions.
The Adjuvant Theory
A breast implant is a foreign body that the medical community believed was highly biocompatible with the human body for many years. Although some patients developed capsular contractions, which is evidence of the body’s reaction to the implant, medical professionals continued to believe these devices were safe.
An adjuvant is a particle that stimulates the immune response to a foreign body or antigen. Breast implants may contain substances that act as adjuvants, which trigger a chronic immunological systemic response or inflammatory response in some women, causing the immune system to attack different tissues of the body. These foreign bodies are seen by the immune system as antigens, and as a result, patients experience the symptoms of Breast Implant Illness (BII).
Multiple articles have suggested that certain substances in breast implants may cause autoimmunity. This possibility was overlooked years ago with studies that cleared breast implants for safe use. The first suggestion of this problem was described 50 years ago as a syndrome called adjuvant breast disease.
Other Possible Causes
A breast implant is not the only cause of BII. Adjuvants present in some vaccines, some infections such as Lyme disease, some proteins in food, and even some metals can trigger and exacerbate an immune response, resulting in syndromes with almost identical symptomatology. These syndromes include, amongst others, ASIA syndrome and silicone incompatibility syndrome.
Symptomatology
Breast Implant Illness (BII) symptomatology includes different physical signs, but all are linked to some sort of inflammation affecting different systems and tissues in the body. Dr. Yehuda Shoenfeld published in his ASIA syndrome article that the removal of the “inciting agent” helps with improvement. This fact is consistent with studies where patients experienced improvement after explantation, and their quality of life had improved. In some cases, however, the capsules surrounding the implants were not completely removed, which may have affected the outcome.
Treatment In an ongoing study with more than 130 patients with Enbloc explanations (implant and biological capsule surrounding the implant completely removed), the percentage of full remission of symptoms at 6 months is 75%, and the improvement of symptoms is 85%. The difference in outcome may be due to the fact that the capsules surrounding the implants were fully removed.
Breast Implant Illness (BII) is a condition that affects some women who have undergone breast augmentation. Although the etiology of this condition is not fully understood, the Adjuvant Theory suggests that breast implants’ substances act as adjuvants, which trigger the immune system to attack different tissues of the body. Other possible causes include adjuvants present in some vaccines, infections, some proteins in food, and metals. The removal of the “inciting agent” helps improve Breast Implant Illness (BII) symptoms, and complete capsule removal may improve outcomes.
Get medical advice
Dr. Victor Urzola is a renowned Reconstructive Plastic Surgeon known for his expertise in complex cases of reconstructive surgery and cosmetic procedures. With an international and national reputation for his commitment to providing a high degree of surgical specialization, he has helped numerous patients achieve their desired outcomes.
If you’re experiencing symptoms related to Breast Implant Illness (BII), don’t wait any longer to seek professional help. Dr. Victor Urzola’s center, located in Costa Rica, has treated dozens of international patients and offers top-notch care for those seeking relief from Breast Implant Illness (BII) symptoms.
Book an appointment with Dr. Victor Urzola today to start your journey toward improved health and wellness.
