Is Breast Implant Illness Painful?

Breast implant illness surgery may cause mild to moderate discomfort, typically managed with pain medication. The pain usually subsides within a few days, and most patients report improvement as they heal. Post-surgery, a supportive garment may be recommended to reduce swelling and enhance comfort. The discomfort is generally short-lived compared to the relief from BII symptoms.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

With Dr. Mazzaferro, you can expect a personalized series of appointments for breast implant illness surgery. Typically, patients have an initial consultation, the surgery, and about 3 to 4 follow-up visits to ensure a smooth recovery, though the exact schedule may be adjusted to your individual needs.

How Long Until I See Results?

After breast implant illness surgery with Dr. Mazzaferro, initial improvements are usually visible within a few weeks as swelling subsides. Full results emerge over the next few months as your body heals and adjusts.

What Are the Risks Associated With Breast Implant Illness Treatments?

Potential complications include infection, scarring, bleeding, and changes in sensation. Dr. Mazzaferro carefully reviews all risks during your consultation, ensuring a personalized approach to minimize complications and support a smooth recovery.

Breast Implant Illness (BII)

In New York City

Breast Implant Illness

Introduction to Breast Implant Illness Surgery

For those experiencing unexplained symptoms like exhaustion, joint pain, or brain fog, Breast Implant Illness (BII) might be the hidden culprit. Though not officially a medical diagnosis, BII has gained attention as many individuals with breast implants report physical and mental struggles that disrupt their lives. By removing the implants and possibly the surrounding tissue, Dr. Mazzaferro can offer a way for patients to reclaim their comfort and energy.

A woman with curly hair poses in front of a round mirror, wearing black lingerie, with a stylish wooden dresser nearby. - Breast Implant Illness in West Village, New York, NY

What is Breast Implant Illness?

Breast Implant Illness (BII) is a collection of symptoms reported by individuals with breast implants. Although BII is not yet recognized as a formal medical diagnosis, increasing numbers of patients report symptoms that may be linked to an immune or inflammatory reaction to their breast implants. These symptoms can affect physical and mental health, ranging from mild discomfort to chronic pain and fatigue. The cause of BII remains unclear, and symptoms can arise with both saline-filled and silicone-filled implants, sometimes years after surgery.

Request a consultation

A woman with long, dark hair poses in a black blazer, arms raised, showcasing a confident and elegant expression. - Breast Implant Illness in West Village, New York, NY

Symptoms of BII

Breast Implant Illness can present a wide range of symptoms, with the most commonly reported including:

Fatigue
Joint and muscle pain
Brain fog
Anxiety or depression
Rashes and skin issues
Chronic pain
Dry eyes and vision changes
Hair loss

These symptoms overlap with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, which can make BII challenging to diagnose.

Breast Implant Illness remains a topic of ongoing research. Although it is not officially recognized as a medical diagnosis, the experiences of many patients have driven the conversation forward, leading to more studies aimed at understanding the link between breast implants and systemic symptoms. If you experience symptoms potentially linked to BII, consult an experienced plastic surgeon to explore your options and find the best course of action for your health and well-being.

What Are the Benefits of a Breast Implant Illness Surgery?

Breast implant illness surgery can offer numerous benefits for individuals who are experiencing symptoms from their implants, including:

Relief from Symptoms: Many report a great amount of relief from chronic symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, and headaches after implant removal.
Improved Quality of Life: For those suffering from BII, removing the implants can dramatically improve daily function, energy levels, and mental clarity.
Restoration of Natural Appearance: Breast implant illness surgery can restore a more natural breast shape and size, either through implant removal or alternative reconstruction options.
Personal Empowerment: Many find that undergoing this surgery empowers them to take control of their health and appearance.
Long-Term Health Benefits: Patients reduce the risk of complications like implant rupture or leakage by removing the implants.

Who Are the Best Candidates For Breast Implant Illness Surgery?

The best candidates for breast implant illness surgery are individuals who:

Experience Chronic Symptoms: Those with persistent, unexplained symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, or skin issues that they believe may be linked to their implants.
Have Explored Other Causes: Candidates often have ruled out other medical causes for their symptoms and believe that implant removal may improve their quality of life.
Desire a Natural Look: Patients who want to return to a more natural breast shape or who are no longer interested in having implants may benefit from the procedure.
Are in Good General Health: Ideal candidates should be in overall good health, without conditions that could increase the risks of surgery.
Have Realistic Expectations: Those who understand BII surgery’s potential benefits and limitations and have realistic expectations for symptom improvement.

Breast implant illness surgery may offer symptom relief and improved well-being for individuals who meet these criteria.

Implant-Illness

What’s The First Step?

The journey toward relief from Breast Implant Illness starts with a consultation. Meeting with Dr. Mazzaferro will allow you to talk about your symptoms, clarify BII, and explore options for implant removal or other treatment approaches. That first step is finding answers, feeling understood, and opening the door to renewed well-being. From there, he’ll outline a personalized plan tailored to your needs and recovery goals.

What to Expect from a Breast Implant Illness Treatment

Diagnosis and Testing: There is no definitive test for BII. Diagnosis typically involves ruling out other potential causes for the symptoms, such as autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, thyroid disorders, or Lyme disease. Healthcare providers may recommend a series of tests, including blood work and imaging, to rule out these conditions before considering a diagnosis of BII. The presence of symptoms alone is not enough to confirm BII.

Management and Treatment: Treatment for BII often involves removing the breast implants, a procedure known as explant surgery. Some patients also opt for the removal of the scar tissue surrounding the implant, a process called a capsulectomy. In some cases, the implant and the surrounding capsule are removed together in a procedure known as en bloc capsulectomy. While many patients report an improvement in symptoms following implant removal, others may not experience complete relief.

Prevention: As the exact cause of BII remains unknown, there are no guaranteed preventive measures. However, opting not to undergo breast augmentation or choosing alternative methods for achieving cosmetic goals, such as fat grafting, can eliminate the risk. Those with existing implants who experience symptoms should consult with their plastic surgeon to discuss potential options, including implant removal.

Prognosis: While many patients experience symptom relief after implant removal, research is ongoing to understand BII’s causes and long-term outcomes better. The prognosis varies based on individual factors, such as the duration of symptoms, underlying health conditions, and the body’s response to implant removal.

Living with BII: If you suspect you have BII, it’s essential to work closely with a healthcare provider who will listen to your concerns and guide you through the process of evaluating potential causes. Whether or not implant removal is part of the solution, patients living with BII should seek holistic care to address their symptoms.

Why Choose Dr. Mazzaferro?

Dr. Daniel Mazzaferro offers a compassionate and comprehensive approach to those experiencing symptoms related to breast implants. Breast Implant Illness surgery can cause fatigue, pain, or other unexplained health issues, but Dr. Mazzaferro will guide you through the process of removal and healing. His goal is to restore not only your physical health but also your peace of mind. If you’re considering surgery to address Breast Implant Illness, schedule a consultation today to discuss your options and take the first step toward feeling your best again.

Breast Implant Illness (BII) FAQ’S

Breast implant illness surgery may cause mild to moderate discomfort, typically managed with pain medication. The pain usually subsides within a few days, and most patients report improvement as they heal. Post-surgery, a supportive garment may be recommended to reduce swelling and enhance comfort. The discomfort is generally short-lived compared to the relief from BII symptoms.

@drdanmazz

Breast Implant Illness

Schedule Your Consultation

If you’re feeling weighed down by symptoms that could be related to Breast Implant Illness (BII), meeting with Dr. Mazzaferro might be the right move toward relief and recovery. At your consultation, Dr. Mazzaferro will take the time to listen to your experiences, walk you through potential solutions, and answer every question you might have. This isn’t just another appointment—it’s a step toward feeling more like yourself again. With Dr. Mazzaferro’s expertise in BII treatment, you can feel assured that you’re in good hands. Don’t wait to explore the possibilities—schedule your consultation today and take that first step toward feeling better!

Request a consultation