Term Breast Implant Illness is used to describe set of complaints that happen in some women after breast implant surgery. It`s not separate nosological entity. There is no such diagnosis in international classification systems. It`s working term for group of symptoms that customers and some doctors associate with presence of implants.
In practice, BII is used as general label for conditions where there is no clearly established mechanism, but there is recurring set of complaints. These cover chronic fatigue, muscle and joint pain, brain fog, sleep disturbances, anxiety, cycle irregularities, appetite changes, and difficulty controlling weight. These symptoms aren`t specific. They occur in dozens of various circumstances, including hormonal disorders, autoimmune processes, and chronic stress, and are often discussed when assessing recovery after breast implant removal.
Why issue of weight has become part of discussion?
Weight gain isn`t one of key symptoms of BII, but it `s regularly mentioned in patient reviews. Doctors note that some women complain not so much about sudden weight gain as about inability to lose weight using their usual methods. Even if diet and activity levels remain unchanged, body weight may gradually increase.
To date, there are no studies confirming direct biological link between implants and increase in adipose tissue. However, there are several indirect mechanisms that may explain such changes.
Systemic inflammation as risk factor
Any implant is foreign object to body. Even in the absence of complications, capsule forms around it, and immune system remains in state of constant vigilance. In some patients, this process may be accompanied by chronic inflammation.
Long-term inflammation affects metabolic processes. It can reduce tissue sensitivity to insulin, disrupt appetite regulation and alter energy balance. As result, body begins to distribute calories differently and store fat more quickly.
It`s important to understand that this isn`t proven effect, but rather logical model that explains possible link between immune response and metabolic shifts.
Endocrine disorders
The second group of factors is belonging to endocrine system. Women with symptoms of disease with BII often have abnormalities in functioning of thyroid gland and adrenal glands. These organs directly regulate metabolic rate and body’s response to stress.
If thyroid function is reduced, metabolism slows down. Even slight deviation can lead to gradual weight gain. Similarly, chronic stimulation of adrenal glands increases cortisol levels, which promotes fat accumulation, especially in abdominal area.
A direct link between implants and hormonal imbalances has not been proven, but clinical observations have recorded a correlation between these conditions in some patients.
Behavioural aspect
Behavioural factors deserve special attention. Chronic fatigue, pain and reduced concentration, which are often reported by women with suspected BII, lead to decline in physical activity. Even if diet remains unchanged, energy expenditure decreases.
Over time, this creates positive energy balance, whereby body begins to store excess calories. This mechanism is characteristic of most chronic conditions and isn`t unique to BII, but it can exacerbate problem.
Stress and neuroendocrine regulation
A constant feeling of unease, anxiety and uncertainty associated with symptoms creates persistent stressful background. Chronic stress alters functioning of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system.
Elevated cortisol affects not only fat distribution, but also hunger, sleep quality, and recovery. This creates a vicious cycle: stress exacerbates symptoms, symptoms exacerbate stress, and weight gain becomes a side effect of this process.
What observations show after implant removal?
Some women report improvement in their overall well-being after explantation. In some cases, stabilisation of body weight is also noted. However, these data aren`t systematic. They are based on individual stories and don`t allow for generalised conclusions.
Clinical reviews emphasise that not everyone experiences improvement. In some cases, manifestations persist even after implant removal, indicating complex and multifactorial nature of problem. At present, weight gain cannot be considered direct consequence of breast implants. There is no evidence to support causal relationship.
At same time, it cannot be ignored that some women with systemic symptoms of disease with BII do indeed experience metabolic changes. It`s most likely that weight gain in these cases is a secondary effect associated with inflammation, hormonal shifts, decreased activity, and chronic stress.
Each such situation requires individual assessment involving an endocrinologist and a therapist. Without ruling out other causes, it is methodologically incorrect to talk about impact of implants on weight. The issue remains subject of further research and clinical observation, but at present it is still in realm of hypothesis rather than proven medicine.
FAQ: Breast implants and systemic manifestations
Is weight gain manifestations of disease accompanying with breast implants?
Weight gain isn`t considered direct or specific symptom of condition commonly referred to as BII. Medical sources consider it possible side effect rather than diagnostic sign.
If weight gain occurs, it is more often explained by secondary factors: chronic inflammation, hormonal imbalances, decreased physical activity, sleep disturbances, and increased stress levels. The implant itself isn`t recognised as direct cause of weight change.
What are first signs of disease associated with breast implants?
There are no clear clinical criteria for BII, but most common early complaints are: constant fatigue without obvious cause, muscle and joint pain, sleep disturbances, anxiety, skin reactions, dryness, itching, and menstrual cycle irregularities. These manifestations are non-specific and may be accompanied with other diseases, therefore requiring comprehensive diagnosis.
Can breast implants affect hormone levels?
The direct effect of implants on hormonal system has not been proven. However, some women with systemic manifestations experience thyroid and adrenal gland dysfunction.
It is assumed that chronic inflammation and stress may indirectly affect endocrine regulation. This is hypothesis, not established mechanism. Each case requires separate examination.
Will my weight decrease after implants are removed?
It`s impossible to guarantee weight loss after implant removal. Some women experience general improvement in well-being and stabilisation of metabolic processes after explantation, which may contribute to normalisation of body weight. However, others experience no change. Effect depends on individual factors. Implant removal isn`t treatment for obesity or metabolic disorders.
