Over the last few years, quite a few studies have been carried out on the potential link between silicone breast implants and chronic illnesses. While those studies haven’t found a direct connection, many patients who have silicone implants are now reporting a wide variety of unusual symptoms. If you have had breast augmentation surgery carried out and opted for silicone implants, then you might want to spend a little bit of time learning more about breast implant illness.
Signs of Implant Illness
According to recent studies, women are reporting a wide variety of issues following their breast augmentation procedure. Each patient experiences slightly different issues, but many of them claim that they have been struggling with chronic pain and fatigue. For some patients, the discomfort comes and goes, but others feel constant soreness around their joints. Some of the other physical symptoms include rashes, breathing problems, nausea, and hair loss.
Implant illness could be linked to some mental and psychological problems as well. Patients who claim to have this illness often report bouts of severe depression and anxiety. Those mental issues can also impact their relationships, professional lives, and sleep schedules. If you have been struggling with any of those physical or mental health problems, then you might be a good candidate for the silicone breast implant removal procedure.
What Does This Procedure Involve?
Just like the implant procedure, implant removal operations are highly personalized, and there are a few different choices that you will need to make. Some women have the implants removed and nothing else done, but that can result in sagging breast tissue. That is why many surgeons suggest that their patients have breast lifts or use saline implants after the silicone breast implant removal procedure. With a breast lift, the remaining tissue is going to be adjusted so that it sits higher on the chest. A lift will also allow the surgeon to adjust the placement of the areolas and nipples.
While saline implants do have some potential side effects as well, they are extremely safe for most patients. If the implant fails or ruptures, then the saline solution will simply be absorbed by the body. Fat transfer augmentation is another option that some patients choose if they only want a slight enhancement to the breasts. During that procedure, the fat is going to be pulled from other areas of the body and then placed in the breast to increase their overall size.
When to See a Doctor
Patients who have undergone the breast augmentation procedure and are experiencing unusual side effects should immediately contact a surgeon to explore their options. A surgeon who has experience with the silicone breast implant removal operation will be able to give you more information regarding common symptoms and what kind of results you can expect after your surgery.