New Delhi: Breast implants have been popular for decades, helping women feel more confident and restoring breast shape after pregnancy or surgery. But in recent years, many women have reported strange health issues—chronic fatigue, joint pain, brain fog, and even autoimmune symptoms. Some believe their implants are the cause. This condition, known as Breast Implant Illness (BII), has sparked debate in the medical world. Is it real? And if so, what should you do about it?

In an interaction with News9Live, Dr. Anmol Chugh, Lead Consultant, Plastics & Aesthetics Centre, CK Birla Hospital, Director, Imperio Clinics, Gurgaon, spoke about how breast implants affect women’s health.

What Is Breast Implant Illness?

BII is not officially recognized as a disease, but thousands of women claim that their implants have triggered serious health problems. Reported symptoms include:

1. Fatigue and weakness
2. Brain fog and memory issues
3. Joint and muscle pain
4. Anxiety or depression
5. Hair loss
6. Skin rashes
7. Autoimmune-like reactions

Some women say their symptoms disappeared after removing their implants. Others feel no difference. So, what does science say?

What Does Research Show?

Scientists are still studying BII, but here’s what we know so far:

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has received thousands of reports from women experiencing these symptoms. While the FDA hasn’t officially recognized BII as a medical condition, it now requires implant manufacturers to warn patients about potential risks.

Autoimmune disorders and implants

A 2018 study in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that women with breast implants had a slightly higher risk of autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma. However, the overall risk was still very low.

Do symptoms improve after implant removal?

A 2021 study in the Annals of Plastic Surgery showed that some women felt better after having their implants removed, but researchers couldn’t rule out the placebo effect.

Could My Implants Be Causing Problems?

Not every woman with breast implants experiences these issues. Many have had implants for years without problems. But if you’re feeling unwell and can’t find another explanation, it’s worth considering:

1. Talk to your doctor. Other medical conditions could be causing your symptoms.
2. Monitor your symptoms. Keep track of when they started and if they get worse over time.
3. Explore implant removal. If symptoms persist, some women choose to remove their implants. Results vary—some feel immediate relief, while others notice no change.

The Bottom Line

Breast implants are safe for most women, but no medical procedure is risk-free. If you’re considering implants, make sure you’re fully informed. If you already have implants and are experiencing unexplained health issues, listen to your body and seek medical advice. More research is needed, but one thing is clear: your health should always come first.