Answering Top Questions About Breast Implant Illness

The number of breast augmentations performed each year is steadily growing, making it one of the most popular surgeries in the U.S. This March, women across the nation will come together to recognize National Breast Implant Awareness Month. This holiday allows individuals and their healthcare providers to raise awareness about staying healthy with breast implants. This includes educating people about the potential complications of getting implants, such as breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) and breast implant illness.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Phillip Dauwe is proud to take part in National Breast Implant Awareness Month and help patients take proactive steps in safeguarding their health. Although implants are a wonderful way to create the curves you desire, it is important to learn the benefits and risks to achieve natural-looking results safely. If you would like to find information about the safety of breast implants, reach out to Phillip Dauwe, M.D. Plastic Surgery to schedule an appointment in Dallas, TX. We can answer top questions such as “Do implants cause cancer?” and “What are the signs of breast implant illness?”

Do implants cause cancer?

Most patients are aware that there are some risks when it comes to getting implants, such as scarring or infection. Another complication includes a condition called breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Although implants do not cause breast cancer, BIA-ALCL is a rare cancer of the immune system that patients should learn more about. It is often found in the scar tissue or fluid near the breast implant. Symptoms of BIA-ALCL include persistent swelling or pain near the location of the implant.

At Phillip Dauwe, M.D. Plastic Surgery, we encourage patients to know the potential symptoms of BIA-ALCL and call our office as soon as possible if you have concerning symptoms such as discomfort or skin irritation. This could be a sign that something is wrong with the implants. The good news is that when BIA-ALCL is caught early on, it is very easy to treat. It usually includes undergoing breast explant surgery, also known as breast implant removal, to resolve the issue. Further treatment may be required based on the extensiveness of cancer.

Will I get breast implant illness?

Many patients struggle with the safety of breast implants, especially after hearing about cases of breast implant illness online or within their social groups. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as well as other professional organizations, closely monitor the existence of breast implant illness and how it affects patients all over the world. Although researchers do not have enough data about this condition, we understand that the symptoms felt by patients are very real. Some breast implant illness symptoms include chronic fatigue, hair loss, sensitivity to light, headaches, chills, rash, brain fog, and sleep disturbance. Although breast implant illness is also a rare occurrence in patients, it is important to contact Dr. Dauwe in Dallas, TX if you suspect a medical issue related to the breast implants.

What happens if I have breast implant illness symptoms?

Unfortunately, there are no medical tests to determine whether a person is showing breast implant illness symptoms. This can be difficult because breast explant surgery requires an additional procedure and healing time. As soon as the implants are removed, patients will likely notice a reduction of symptoms, although this is not a guarantee. Breast implant removal is a personal choice and should be carefully considered before moving forward with a plastic surgeon.

When a foreign substance such as an implant is introduced to the body, scar tissue naturally forms around it. This scar tissue is thin and causes little to no issues. In some instances, however, the capsule becomes thicker and more apparent. En bloc capsulectomy is a method that removes the implant as well as the scar tissue that has grown around it. Dr. Dauwe performs procedures such as breast explant surgery so patients can feel more comfortable with their results.

Participate in National Breast Implant Awareness Month

Although breast implants are long-lasting, they should be monitored for potential health issues on a regular basis. The professionals at Phillip Dauwe, M.D. Plastic Surgery are pleased to provide information and resources about breast implants during National Breast Implant Awareness Month. As a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Dauwe focuses on procedures for the breasts and body. At our clinic, we use modern tools and technology to ensure wonderful, natural-looking results. Learn more about topics such as breast implant illness symptoms and the safety of breast implants by scheduling a consultation at our office in Dallas, TX.