Breast Implant Illness | Akron, OH | Plastic Surgeons of Akron

What is Breast Implant Illness?

Overview

While breast implants overwhelmingly provide patients with positive results, enhanced self-esteem, and a confidence boost that improves their overall quality of life, some patients may develop unwanted symptoms due to their implants.

While science has not yet determined the exact causes of breast implant illness, the most likely culprit is an infection around the implants that may spread to other parts of the body through the lymphatic system. This can trigger an autoimmune reaction that may include a broad range of symptoms.

Board-certified Akron plastic surgeon Dr. John Pedersen is sympathetic to the effects of chronic illness due to breast implants on the lives of patients and offers breast revision and implant removal to help remediate breast implant in Akron, OH.

Symptoms

Breast implant illness (or BII) includes a number of symptoms that may be associated with toxicity related to breast implants. While BII can occur with any type of implant, it is most commonly found in patients with texturized or silicone-filled implants.

Because texturized implants have more surface area and an uneven surface, some scientists speculate that they may create an environment more susceptible to infection. As the infection spreads through the body’s lymphatic system, patients with silicone or texturized implants may be at increased risk for autoimmune diseases such as scleroderma, sarcoidosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjögren’s syndrome.

Symptoms associated with breast implant illness may include:

Hair loss
Headaches
Chronic fatigue
Trouble sleeping
Breathing problems
Joint and muscle pain
Dry mouth or dry eyes
Gastrointestinal problems
Rashes or other skin problems
Increased anxiety or depression
Problems related to concentration or memory

Resolving Your BII

Highly experienced and reputable plastic surgeon Dr. John Pedersen offers breast implant removal and breast implant replacement in Akron, OH, for patients suffering from breast implant illness. In each of these procedures, he will remove your implants and the surrounding damaged tissue. In addition to helping you restore your health, Dr. Pedersen can deliver the aesthetic results you want with these expertly performed treatments.

Some patients may require diagnosis and additional treatments for their condition, such as detoxification or lympathy, from another provider to achieve optimal wellness.

Breast Implant Removal

Breast implant removal is one of two options for surgically remediating breast implant illness. In this procedure, your breast implants will be removed without replacing them with new implants. Depending on the size of your implants and your skin’s elasticity, breast implant removal may require a breast lift to prevent a saggy or deflated appearance.

Breast Implant Replacement

The other option is breast implant replacement. In this procedure, Dr. Pedersen will remove your implants and replace them with newer ones that may be less likely to cause BII. This treatment is ideal for patients who want to maintain or enhance fullness in their bustline while resolving their breast implant illness.

Your Procedure

Which Treatment is Right for Me?

The decision to have your implants removed or replaced comes down to several factors regarding your health and cosmetic concerns. If you are concerned about redeveloping BII with new implants, you may choose to forego replacement altogether. However, replacement using a different type of implant may allow you to maintain your fuller bust line without related illness.

The Consultation Process

During your consultation, Dr. Pedersen will assess all of your concerns to help determine which treatment path may ultimately provide you with the healthiest outcome and best quality of life. He will provide you with details regarding all of your options so that you can make a fully informed decision about every aspect of your surgery, including replacement versus removal, and, if applicable, the selection of the type and size of implant you want. If you opt to have your implants removed, you may also discuss the inclusion of a breast lift in your surgery.

Recovery

Recovery following implant removal or replacement is comparable. You should expect to stay home from work or other social activities for about one week, with full recovery taking approximately six weeks.

Results

Most patients notice an improvement in their BII symptoms within a few months of their surgery. With Dr. Pedersen, you can look forward to feeling better and looking beautiful.

Schedule Your Consultation with Dr. John Pedersen

Discuss Your Options for Breast Implant Illness at Plastic Surgeons of Akron

Dr. John Pedersen offers surgical solutions to breast implant illness in Akron, OH. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Pedersen to take the first step toward a healthier and more fulfilling life with breast implant removal or replacement.

FAQs

What is the safest type of implant?

Smooth, saline-filled implants are considered the implant type most unlikely to cause BII.

When do symptoms begin?

Symptoms of breast implant illness can appear within months to years after implantation. If at any time after receiving breast implants you experience otherwise unexplained symptoms, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor.

How high is the risk of breast implant illness returning?

The likelihood of anyone developing BII is low, although it does happen. While BII does not have a definitive cause, certain types of implants appear to play a role in its development. Therefore, patients predisposed to BII should select the safest implant type to reduce the risk of the condition coming back.

Breast Implant Illnessin Akron, OH

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