BII – WHAT WE KNOW AND DON’T KNOW
The symptoms of breast implant illness (BII) vary from person to person, but sufferers say there are common indications: fatigue, brain fog and memory loss; aching muscles and joints; dryness throughout the body; recurring infections; gastrointestinal and digestive problems; rashes; sensitivity to food and chemicals; anxiety; and problems with the adrenal glands and thyroid.
According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there is not enough evidence to prove that these symptoms are the result of implants.
Many medical specialists believe that not enough research has been done to make a scientifically informed call about BII. One of them is plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr Stuart Geldenhuys, a leading expert in breast implants.
‘It would be irresponsible to practise anecdotal medicine,’ he says. ‘You have to work with scientific data to make the best decisions, but there’s a lack of scientific evidence for good guidance regarding breast implant illness. I don’t discount the possibility that breast implant illness exists, but at this point we don’t know what the science is – the parameters of BII haven’t yet been clearly defined.’
That could soon change as researchers are now investigating the possible causes of breast implant illness. The FDA recently held a two-day hearing that looked into the safety of breast implants. ‘Researchers are investigating the symptoms [of BII] to better understand their origins,’ says the agency, adding that they will begin looking into whether certain materials used in breast implants can trigger health problems, but won’t ban implants for now.
The FDA does, however, caution that implants are not ‘lifetime devices’. While the life of implants varies for individuals and can’t be predicted, the agency does say that the longer you have them, the greater the chance of developing complications, some of which will require additional surgery.
The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons has reportedly also called for more research into BII.